“Fine, let’s maybe hold off on work for just a minute.” I shut my own laptop with a sigh. “Between you and boxing I wonder why I’m paying my therapist.”
“Because professionals still know better than friends.” She stands again, wallet in hand, to head inside and order more coffee. “Though you definitely need all the help you can get.”
I sit back in my chair and close my eyes for a half second before my phone pings with another text. I should’ve turned off my notifications, but I open it anyway, too used to jumping at the sound.
Natasha:Seth reached out to me about the volunteering assignment. I took the liberty of setting you both up at a teen writers workshop next week. I’ll email you the info.
Me:Sounds good.
I can’t even be annoyed that Seth went somewhat behind my back and talked to Natasha about my own task. Atleast it takes the decision out of my hands, and soon, the teamwork portion of the challenge will be complete. From there it will be every person for themselves. The end of this competition can’t come fast enough.
Tessa returns with two iced lattes in hand.
I take mine gratefully. “Thanks for this, and for listening, as always. I appreciate it.”
She raises an eyebrow. “But...?”
“But I think I’m done talking about this for today. We’re almost through most of the assignments, and with any luck, I’ll win and Seth won’t even stay in LA. This angst will all go away when I don’t have to see him anymore.” Because that’s definitely what I want here. To not have to see Seth anymore.
Tessa looks like she’s close to calling bullshit, but she doesn’t push me. “Whatever you want, hon.”
“If you really want to help me, you can distract me with an update on the you-and-Rob of it all.” I flash her a weak smile.
Her cheeks color at the mere mention of his name. “There’s not much to tell there.”
“You like him.” I purposefully don’t phrase it as a question.
She studies the top of her latte with great interest. “I do. But...”
I knock her foot with mine under the table, a small reminder that I’m here for her too.
“But I kind of made a promise to myself that I’m not going to moon about anymore. If he likes me, he knows where to find me.” She meets my eyes and gives me a sheepish shrug.
“We’re well into the twenty-first century, Tess, you couldtotally make the first move.” I wrap my hand around my coffee cup, wondering if I’m giving her actual good advice or just the advice I’d want to hear in this situation. Because if I were in her shoes, I’d totally make the first move. But Tessa isn’t me. “If you’re not comfortable with that though, you don’t have to, obviously.”
“It’s not that. I mean, it is that a little, but it’s more like I want him to want me enough to make the move himself, you know?”
I nod, even if I’m not sure I relate. “Well, if he doesn’t, he’s a moron.”
She rolls her eyes and turns her attention to her laptop, gently ending the conversation.
I shift my focus to my own computer, and instead of talking out all my relationship drama, I write it out, pouring everything I’ve got into my next piece. I’ve got a competition to win.
#LANAVSSETH
ROB:Things are getting interesting around here. Current standings: Seth with 124 and Lana closing in with 116.
TESSA:Woohoo! Nice work,@Lana!
LANA:
COREY:All right. You know I am firmly #TeamLana, but I gotta say,@Seth, your piece today is awesome. Therapy for the win!
SETH:Thanks,@Corey, that means a lot
LANA:Yeah, thanks,@Corey.
COREY:Your article was great too!
