Liz: But honest.
Change the subject. Back to Matt and how he screwed up.
Ben: So you haven’t spoken to him again?
Liz: Not exactly. His prescription had to be picked up, so I went and got it.
Ben: Did you deliver it?
Liz: Yes. Weird thing is, he was sitting outside. Almost like he was waiting for me.
Ben: What happened?
Liz: I dropped the prescription and he just poured out this sappy message about how much he wants to be with me. How he always thought he wanted a certain type of girl, but really he wants someone in the action with him. He said he wants me.
Checkmark Matt for honesty, and cue my internal struggle. I’d always promised myself I’d bow out if a three-quality candidate stepped up. Now here he was. I gave myself a little time to decide if I actually had the guts.
Ben: Heavy.
Liz: Yup.
Ben: So what did you say after he said all that?
Liz: Nothing. I’m a real piece of work, aren’t I? Sat there like a lump of cat shit in a litter box and said nothing.
Ben: Why not?
Liz: What?
Ben: Either you weren’t interested, or he shocked you, or… you were hoping for a different outcome. Why didn’t you say anything?
Liz: I guess earlier in the day I’d been thinking about my feelings for someone else. And Matt’s never shown interest before. I guess I never really thought of him that way and it shocked me. I couldn’t think.
That was it. The comment that cemented my choice. You see it, right? Remember that survey I did with Liz back at university? She said she would notice.
Well. She hadn’t noticed Matt — not until now.
I would’ve been a world-class ass to choose any other path. So when she asked for my advice, I gave it.
Ben: The kid from England you’re always going on about is a distraction. Dump his ass.
I couldn’t bring myself to say me.
Liz: Is that supposed to be a joke? It’s not funny.
Ben: Think about it. I’m the excuse for why you can’t be with Matt, right?
Liz: Not exactly.
Ben: But on some level…
Liz: I suppose.
Ben: Why?
This was her chance. Her last chance to tell me she was head-over-heels and I was worth the risk.
Liz: I don’t know. We have something, don’t we?
