Page 66

“Not really,” he says.

“So what do you like to do when you’re not being a wingman for your buddy there?”

“I didn’t think I would be a wingman. I thought we’d catch up and get some beers. But I guess he really likes your friend.”

I feel a little pang of disappointment that he’s clearly not interested in me, but it’s likely for the best since I’m really not interested in him either. It strikes me as such a waste of energy to even think about being attractive to the people whom you don’t find attractive, but I guess that’s what it means to be single and female.

“Look, I think the two of them are hooking up for sure,” I say. “We can save ourselves by leaving early, if you want.” He shoots me a bemused look and I laugh. “Leave separately, of course. No need to prolong the agony.”

He looks very relieved, and honestly my ego gets a bit bruised. He must see it on my face, because he jumps in. “Look, there’s nothing wrong with you, you’re really very pretty... It’s just that I am kind of into someone already.”

“And your buddy here doesn’t know.”

He shakes his head. “It’s ... complicated.”

“Let me guess. His sister? His ex?”

“His ex.”

“Oh, that’s rough. But you can’t help it if it’s true love.”

“Yeah, he wouldn’t understand.”

“Does she like you back?”

“I am pretty sure she does. But I think she’s really worried about the backlash from Wyatt. So she pushes me away.”

“That really sucks. When you know someone likes you as much as you like them, but they still stay away.” Not that I would have any recent personal experience with this particular scenario.

“Tell me about it.” He takes a sip of his beer.

“All I can tell you is that it sucks as much for her as it does for you. Probably even more.”

“You think so?” He looks at me with so much hope. It’s sweet and very sad.

“I know so. Being the one pushing away when the feelings are there is probably harder than being pushed away. At least when you’re the one being pushed away, you have righteous indignation. When you’re the one doing the pushing, you’re the villain. And you keep doubting yourself.”

“You sound like you know a bit about it.”

I shrug one shoulder. “Not your exact situation, but something similar. But I get where your girl is coming from.”

“So what should I do? I’m losing my mind here.”

“If you think this is the right thing, you and her, then you have to be patient. And maybe step away for a bit if it’s too hard to be around her, but make sure she knows you’re there and will wait.”

“Damn.” He rubs his face in frustration. “How long should I wait?”

I laugh. “I don’t know. I guess it depends on however long whatever it is that’s holding her back keeps holding her back.”

“But what if she’s never ready?”

I shrug. “That’s possible.”

“Man, I’m feeling even worse now. Thanks for listening, but this is all so bleak.”

I pat him on the hand. “Are you ready to lose your buddy over his ex?”

“Wyatt? I’d rather not if I can help it.”