Page 10 of Paradigm

“Why were you going to buy me a drink if you’re in love with someone else?”

“She has someone else every time, and I need to move on eventually. Hell, maybe I was wrong all along, and she’s not my soulmate. I don’t know. I also wanted to get away from them for a few minutes. They argue a lot, and it’s annoying.”

“Not that it’s any of my business…” Eline began. “But have you ever thought that the reason she’s had so many relationships is that she hasn’t found anyone, either?”

“Yeah, but she just keeps trying, and I keep waiting for her to wake up and realize that it’s supposed to be me.”

“Maybe she does know,” Eline said, nodding toward the table.

Marti turned, and the woman she’d identified as her best friend was looking over at them. From Eline’s point of view, she didn’t look happy.

“She looks a little jealous to me,” she added. “Like, she doesn’t like that you’re over here, talking to me.”

“She’s probably just checking on me, making sure I’m okay.”

“Maybe,” Eline said.

“So, back to you. What are you going to do about your ex and this email situation?”

“Email her back.”

“What are you going to say?” Marti asked.

“I have no idea.”

“How did you two leave it when you broke up?”

“We were twenty-two, heading in different directions. So, we loved each other, but we couldn’t find a way to make it work. The hardest thing I’ve ever done was say goodbye to her.”

“Wow,” Marti replied. “I’d start with that if you want her back.”

“Want her back? It’s been over twelve years. I’m sure she’s married, or at least, with someone.”

“Well, I’m sure she’d still like to at least hear that even if you don’t want her back or if she has someone else. I know I would.”

“She lives here.”

“In this bar?” Marti asked with a little smile.

“In this town. We’ve never been this close before, and I don’t know what to do with that.”

“Do you want to see her?”

“I’d love to see her,” she stated.

“And if she’s married or otherwise taken?”

Eline hesitated then.

“Wow! You do still want her back, huh?” Marti added.

“I haven’t seen her in a long time. I’m sure we’re–”

“Just suggest you two meet up in your response,” Marti interjected. “For coffee or something. Make it a no-pressure thing.”

“Coffee? With Arlowe?”

“Does she not drink coffee?”