Page 92 of That Friendzone Feeling

Myphone pings.

EMILY (09:12 AM)

I see the irony of this, but where are you? Worried about you.

Justseeing her name on my phone makes my heart tremble.

It’sthe firstI’veheard from her since she texted yesterday morning to confirm she andChasehad signed the resort contract.Ididn’t tell herIwas coming up here and wouldn’t be home when she got back last night.

ME (09:13 AM)

At Maggie and Jim’s. Just leaving. Home in a few hours.

EMILY (09:13 AM)

Drive carefully.

Again, I see the irony.

“Whatare you smiling about?”Maggieasks.

“Justa text fromEm.”Islip the phone back into my pocket.

“Solovely to have you for a spontaneous visit.BringEmilynext time.Ilove seeing her.”Shegathers me into a big hug and whispers in my ear. “Andwhatever the thing is that you feel bad about, stop feeling bad about it.”

Behindher,Elliotraises his eyebrows at me.

“I’lldo my best.We’resuper busy getting the resort ready, though.”

“Iknow.”Maggiesteps back and holds my hands. “Butyou’re still going to take care of organizing the bar forOwenandSummer’swedding, aren’t you?”

It’sfive weeks after the scheduled opening date for the resort, andI’vepromised to set up a fully stocked bar and staff it as my gift.

“Ofcourse.”

Jimshuts the dishwasher door and joins us. “Comehere.”Hewraps his arms around me and gives me a tight embrace, patting me on the back. “AndImight like to make white as well as red.”

Ichuckle and pull away. “Babysteps.”

Pickingup my bag from the floor,Iwave atElliot. “Goodto see you,El.Thanksfor everything yesterday.”

Heraises his coffee cup in appreciation. “Prettysure it was you who helped me.”

“Youwere more helpful than you can know.”Ipoint at him. “Andyou should consider going for the thing you want too.”

Maggielooks from me to him and back again. “Well, this is all very cryptic.”

“Gotto run.”Igive her a peck on the cheek and head toward the front door.

Thereare two big things to tackle today.Andone of themIcan do on the way home.

“Hey,Walk,”Tomsays.

Iwaited tillI’mwell clear ofBlythewellbeforeIcalled him. “Doyou have a minute?Therewas somethingIwanted to talk about.”

“Sure,I’mjust waiting forLouisato get ready.”

“Goingout?”