Page 22 of Make No Mistake

“Fine until the last ten minutes.”

“Tell me what happened.”

I threw my head back against the cushion and stared up at the ceiling. “Jay and I talked about Sean and how I was thinking of calling him.”

“And?”

“And it turned into Jay being the nicest, most perfect person and telling me how awesome he thinks I am.”

She let out a little giggle. I shot her a glare and she stopped. “Sorry. I’m just trying to see where things got so crappy.”

“It’s crappy because he said all of those things and he’s interesting in someone else!”

“I see. And you care that your friend is interested in someone else?”

“Of course I do!”

“Why?”

I threw up my arms. “Because he’s so supportive and genuine and smart and perfect …”

“You said that already.”

I shot her another look.

She held up her hands and smiled. “I’m just trying to understand. If Jay’s just your friend why is it such a big deal?”

“Because.”

“Not an answer.”

“Because I like him.”

“As a friend?”

“Yes. No. Yes, of course, but that’s not all.”

“It’s not?”

I rolled my head toward her and narrowed my eyes. “You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?”

She just smiled sweetly. “Well, I’m not going to speak for you.”

“Fine.” I swallowed and looked back up at the ceiling. “I like him. A lot. And it sucks that he likes someone else.”

“Oh, Mac. You’re so ridiculous sometimes, I can’t even handle it.”

My eyes snapped to hers. “What do you mean?” I was offended that after I just bared my heart to her, she made fun of me.

“You’re just so oblivious.” She shook her head and stood up. “Carter made reservations for us tomorrow night. It’s for four, so you need to find a date.”

I sat up at the sudden change of conversation. “What? Why?”

“Because then there would be an empty seat, and I know you hate being the third wheel.”

“No. I mean why did you guys do that? What if I’m busy?”

“You’re not. I know you’re not, so find a date.”

With that she strode to the door, grabbed her bag, and left.

I sat staring at the closed door, trying to figure out what the heck just happened.

Did she miss the part where her best friend came home upset? Where she admitting to having unrequited feelings?

Who leaves right after that? Better yet, who forces said sad friend to find a date after having just admitting that?

And what did she mean by oblivious? I was a journalist. I saw everything.

I gave up and went into my room. It was either time for a long bath or a nap. I looked at my bed and the decision was made.