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“Didn’t you have fun today?”

Alex pursed her lips. “Yes, Lucy. I had fun today.”

“And you two are hanging out again next week?”

Alex put her hands on her hips. “Just say it. I know you’re dying to.”

Lucy leaned in. “It’s been five months. You can’t stay on the shelf forever.”

Alex shook her head, looking away.

“Stop putting up walls. The longer you wait, the worse it’s going to be.”

“So, you want me to date Tarquin?”

Lucy smiled with a shrug. “You’re already halfway there, babe. Hanging with him. Lex, really…time to move on…”

“Well, Mark certainly has. If he can move on so quickly, what does that say about what we had? It wasn’t special? I wasn’t special? It hurts. It makes me doubt everything. I’m scared to open myself up again. I took that risk after Devin cheated on me, dating Mark, and look how that worked out…”

“I know, but that’s why I’m suggesting you wade in slowly with Tarq. You’re already friends. See where it goes, and if you do decide to have sex…with mutual respect and protection, knowing it’s a bit of fun…what’s the harm? Plus, you could do far worse than Tarq. I mean, phwoar! Swipe right.”

Alex rolled her eyes.

“After your theatre date—”

“Lucy, it wasn’t a date.”

“Outing, night…whatever, Tarquin wouldn’t shut up about you while you were in Manchester. I like the guy. He’s even trying to quit smoking ’cause you hate it—and he’s fit. I bet he’s goooood…”

Alex crossed her arms.

“You have to stop comparing everyone to Mark.”

“I’m not.”

“Think of it this way: would you turn Tarquin down if Mark didn’t exist? That’s your answer, right there.”