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"Good."
I smile at her. "Tell me how the wedding planning is going. I want to hear about a happy couple."
"You'll be happy with someone too someday. I know it."
Shae fills me in on the wedding plans as we wait for food. She and David plan to tie the knot next summer. They are having the ceremony at a local church that Shae's family has attended for generations. I'm so happy for my friend and her happiness.
Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice call my name. I turn around and see Damian walking into the cafe. He's dressed in a black polo shirt and jeans, and his hair is styled back away from his face. I felt horrible about cancelling our date, but I couldn't go out with him when my heart was tied to another man.
"Cassidy, how are you? It's been too long," he says, his eyes shining warmly.
"I'm good." I lie. "This is my friend Shae."
They exchange good mornings.
"How's the new job going? I'm surprised to see you in Boston."
"I'm visiting my dad, and they let me work remotely."
"I've been back and forth between Boston and New York lately. We should get together soon."
I have no idea what to say and stare at him like a deer in headlights. I can't tell him I've just had my heart crushed, but I don't want to hurt his feelings.
"I'll call you this week, and we'll figure something out." He smiles and says goodbye to Shae and me before walking away to find his table.
My heart sinks as he leaves. My feelings for Ivan are still too raw, and there's no way I'm ready to start dating.
"He's nice and cute," Shae says.
I nod, too overwhelmed to say anything else. I try to push away my jumbled thoughts. Ivan is in the past, and I must focus on the future.
Our food arrives. The smell of the omelette wafts up to my nose, and my stomach churns with nausea. I take a few small bites before pushing away my plate. The cinnamon bun looks tempting, but I know I won't be able to eat it.
Shae notices my discomfort and offers me a glass of water. I take a few sips. It doesn't help.
"Oh no," I say as I rush from the table and head to the restroom.
The fluorescent lighting reflects off the tiled walls, and I feel dizzy. I quickly reach one of the stalls and drop to my knees. Wave after wave of nausea overwhelms me as I hang my head over the porcelain bowl. After throwing up and several dry heaves, I need something to cool me down, but all that's available is the sink tap. I run my hands under the cold water and splash it over my face and neck.
Eventually, the nausea passes, but I still feel lightheaded and weak. I stumble out of the bathroom and back to our table, where Shae has already paid the bill.
"Are you okay?" she asks with genuine concern as she stands and gathers our things.
Our food is packed up in to-go boxes. Shae hands me my purse, placing the to-go boxes in a bag.
"I don't know."
We leave the cafe. I don't look around, but I can feel eyes on me.
Once we are outside, I say, "I got sick." I rub my stomach. "I don't know what's wrong."
"Have you been sick this week?"
"The taste of coffee makes me sick, and I've been tired a lot." I shrug. "I think it's depression."
Shae looks at me concerned and leads me into a local drugstore. "It might be more than depression."
I furrow my brow. "What do you mean?" I ask as she looks up and down the pharmacy aisles.
