‘Mum is around.’
‘Won’t she mind?’
‘No way.’ Sam laughs it off. ‘She’ll be happy I’m going out and doing something. Besides, might be a good way for us to act like a couple. Really get into it.’
He’s on board with this. As I think about it, I snap a photo of the latte. Foam Pikachu can’t get away without a picture.
‘How did you do this?’ I hold my phone at an angle to achieve the perfect shot.
‘Magic.’
He leaves me in the heart of the coffee shop.
Last night with Ollie has left me in a murky haze. A restless night followed. It’s why I clutch my Pikachu latte, as if the charge will keep me going. Can I be friends with Ollie? As his friend, should I say yes to his wedding prep?
Despite my attempts to get Ollie to further open up, I got nothing in return. He preferred instead to talk about mundane things, like his job.
And Alec.
Almost like he wanted to pick a fight. A competition for who has the best partner.
He won that one.
Because mine is fake, currently on the phone to his mum and bribing her with cake to cover his shift.
The night with Ollie wasn’t like I’d imagined it would be. I used to spend countless nights picturing what I’d say if I ever saw Ollie again in person. I’d tell him my feelings, and he would listen and understand. I’ve spent much of my time rehearsing conversations that would never happen. It all evaded me last night with him right there.
The need for closure is larger than ever.
And now, I could be potentially helping him organise his wedding to another man.
‘Darling,’ I say, keeping my voice sweet.
Sam, who’s just finished his phone call, looks around the empty coffee house. ‘Me?’
‘Lover boy,’ I swoon.
Sam strolls over, laughing. ‘Is that what we call each other now?’
‘We have to try out some pet names.’ I sit a little taller, meaning business. ‘Make it convincing.’
Sam places a finger to his lips, lost in thought. ‘Sugar lips.’
‘No.’
‘No,’ Sam agrees.
‘English muffin,’ I say, ‘what if we went on a double date?’
Sam folds his arms, confused.
‘With Ollie.’ I’m sure it doesn’t need clarification. ‘And Alec.’
‘You want to double-date with them?’
‘I thought of it last night,’ I explain. ‘After Ollie asked me to help with his wedding.’
Sam sits across from me, leaning back, his knees touching mine.
