Page 58 of If We Meet Again

Did she really mean that?Megan wondered.Maybe she was drunk? That mademore sense.

Well, that’s nice to hear. I miss it.

“And I miss you. Did I tell you that already?” Megan muttered while rolling her eyesat herself.

I hope you come back soon. I’d loveto see you.

The gesture was well received. If only she could go back tomorrow.

Me too.

There was no further response from Ashley. The embarrassment subsided and Megan realised she had nothing to be ashamed of. The reciprocal confession, whether genuine or not, meant something. The weight was lifted, the ability to say how she truly felt in that moment left her feeling triumphant. She would unapologetically, without hesitation,do it again.

11

Ashley

Ashley reached around Emily, searching blindly for the large, fresh cup of coffee. A conversation she’d already had with Madison seemed to be the only topic of interest; the three attempts at changing the subject were unsuccessful.

“Why do you do it to yourself?”

Ashley shrugged. “Idon’t know.”

“You know she’s never going to commit to you, right?” The harsh reality that Emily was never too afraid to point out.

“Maybe she—”

“Ash, seriously? I just wish I had a crystal ball so I could fast forward six months and show you what your life looks like. I guarantee you, she won’t be in it.”

The words were hurtful, yet true. Ashley knew Georgina was merely filling a gap in her schedule until the next all-American guy came along to sweep her off her feet, in reality, all he required was large muscles and a six-foot frame—two things Ashley could never offer.Was Georgina worth the trouble/heartbreak?A question she often asked herself. Her friends indisputablythought not.

“I know, but can’t I just enjoy the company for now?”

“Do you enjoy it, though? Does it bring you happiness or are you just waiting for the day you wake up and she’s found someone else?”

Emily watched intently, leant on the kitchen surface with her clenched fist pressed against her cheek.

“I enjoy her company.”

“But?”

“You’re right, there will probably always be that nagging feeling in the backof my mind.”

“I know you’re not stupid, so I don’t understand why you do it to yourself.”

Ashley considered her reasoning. “It’s easier.”

“What is?”

“Being with Georgina. I know she’s going to leave, so it won’t come as a shock. I’ve already grown numb to the idea, so I suppose it’s easier because I know what to expect with her.”

Georgina had separated from her boyfriend, Travis, a month ago. Their short-lived relationship had been full of lies and deceit, behaviours not uncommon to her. The next day, they’d met for a coffee. That same night, they slept together again—they had seen each other every day since.

“Okay, fair enough, if that’s how you feel. I just don’t want you to miss out on something real because you’re wasting time chasing someone that will never give you what you want.”

Ashley’s darting glance and fidgeting hands revealed the cause of their tension.

“So, about tonight…”