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I smiled. “I’m just glad you’re back home, Izzy. We’ll get through this together.”
I went back to the table to sit down and do some work. My phone started to vibrate again. I assumed it was going to be my mother trying to convince me one last time. I realized it was a text, which was not my mother’s usual way of communicating. I picked up the phone and saw it was from Luke:I’m hungry. Let’s get lunch.
I smiled as I read. That was how he always asked me for lunch, dinner, or anywhere in general. I quickly replied with a thumbs up to let him know I was down for some pizza. I was excited to see him. He had been very helpful through everything. He was the one man in my life I knew I could lean on and count on for anything.
ChapterFive
Luke
Isat across from Leo, fidgeting nervously. “I’m meeting Emmy for lunch today.”
“Okay.” He shrugged. “Don’t you have lunch with her like five days a week.”
“This is different,” I said.
“Why?”
“Because I was thinking about broaching the subject of me taking her out on a real date,” I said.
Leo raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Really?”
I nodded slowly. “I think I’ve finally worked up the courage to ask her out.”
Leo grinned. “That’s awesome, man. I always knew you had a thing for her. It’s about damn time.”
“I don’t know if it’s a good idea,” I told him. “I have a feeling it’s a terrible idea. You’ve given me some horrible advice. This whole thing could go really bad.”
“You’re worrying about something that hasn’t happened,” he pointed out. “I’m sure she feels the same about you. Just take the shot.”
“I’m going to,” I said. “I think. I’ve got to gauge her reaction. I’m going to feel her out.”
“Feel her out or feel her up?” he teased.
“Stop.” I scowled at him. “That is not funny.”
“It’s a little funny,” he countered.
“I’ve thought about it, and I think there might be some feelings there,” I said. “I think this is the first time we’ve both been single at the same time. If there was ever a time to do it, it’s now.”
“So, why are you so nervous?” he asked.
“I don’t want to mess things up,” I admitted. “Emmy means everything to me, and I don’t want to lose her as a friend if things don’t work out.”
“Listen, you just have to be yourself. Emmy already likes you for who you are. Just relax and have a good time. Go with it. Even if she doesn’t want you in a romantic way, she’s not going to just give up on your friendship. You’re too important to her.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right. I just need to be myself and let things happen naturally.”
“Natural with a little push.” He laughed. “If you guys wait for it to happen naturally, I think you’re both going to be waiting a while. Just remember, if things don’t work out, you and Emmy are strong enough to get through it. You’ll always be best friends.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. “Thanks.”
I noticed Leo had that crinkling at the corners of his eyes he always got when he was stressed about something. I knew Leo well enough to know something was off. I knew it wasn’t work. Everything was going well with his projects. He looked worn out and frazzled.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked.
He let out a deep sigh. “I’m getting married in a few months, and the wedding planning is driving me crazy.”
“What’s been going on?” I asked. “Caroline seemed to know what she wanted, especially since this is the second wedding she’s planned in a year.”
