“The guy with the strong opinions about everything?”
“That’s the one.”
“Good.” Zayden shrugs. “She can do better.”
He’s not wrong. But the timing feels strange—my life finally coming together while Winnie’s falls apart. Like the universe only has so much happiness to go around, and I just used up her share.
Me:I’m so sorry. Yes, let’s talk. Tonight? Wine at my place?
Winnie:Perfect. Bring tissues. I might cry.
Winnie:Or I might celebrate. Haven’t decided yet.
A thought hits me. Winnie and Derek live together. Have for almost a year now. His name is on the lease.
Me:Wait. Do you have a place to stay?
Winnie:TBD. My friend Megan offered her couch, but she has a cat that hates me.
Me:You can stay with me. As long as you need. Bring a bag tonight!
Winnie:Tori, your apartment is the size of a shoebox.
Me:A shoebox with a very comfortable couch. And no cats that hate you.
Winnie:You sure?
Me:Positive. We’ll drink wine, trash-talk Derek, and figure out the rest tomorrow.
Winnie:I love you, you know that?
Me:I know. See you tonight.
I pocket my phone, making a mental note to pick up her favorite rosé—and maybe some extra pillows—on the way home.
“You okay?” Zayden asks again.
“Yeah.” I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. “Winnie and Derek live together. Lived together. She needs a place to crash.”
“So she’s staying with you?”
“For a while, yeah.” I smile. “My tiny apartment is about to get a lot more crowded.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“She’d do the same for me.” I pause. “She has done the same for me, actually. After Jason. Let me sleep on her floor for two weeks while I got my head on straight.”
Zayden nods slowly. “Then I guess it’s your turn.”
I guess it is.
28
DUFFEL BAG AND ROSÉ
Tori
Winnie shows up at my door with a duffel bag, a bottle of wine, and mascara streaks down her cheeks.
