“I know you said you weren't sure about how to proceed. And that you were concerned getting involved with this guy would have implications on your career, and that's why you were having doubts about getting involved with him. So what changed?”
“Nothing. At least, not on the surface. After that time we kissed, I did make an effort to put a bit of space between us. And it seemed to work, initially at least. But after a while, looking back, we just started getting closer and closer without consciously trying to do so. We ended up working a lot of late nights together, and it’s so effortless to be myself around him . . . We couldn't help but talk and joke. And, it's been so, so easy to talk to him. It's like we've been friends for years and we’re on the same wavelength, you know?”
“Yeah, I get it. It's easy enough to fire small talk back and forth with a guy, but to find one that you can really have a proper, in-depth conversation with. Well, that’s hard.”
“Exactly, right? Guys you can talk to easily with aren't exactly a dime a dozen. In fact, these days, they're pretty darn rare.”
“I can see how, subconsciously, you'd be falling for him, Lilah. I mean, any woman in your shoes—especially if he's making it obvious that he's got feelings for you—it would be damned hard not to reciprocate those feelings.”
“Yes, and then you throw a little alcohol into the mix . . . Maybe a lot of alcohol . . .”
A knowing glint entered her eyes. “Ah, well now it all makes sense. The hangover, the talk now. You guys slept together last night, didn't you?”
“Yep.”
“I figured it had happened recently, just wouldn’t have initially banked on a few hours ago kind of recently.”
“Yeah.”
“All right. So, we're dealing with a very immediate situation. Has he called or messaged you since last night?”
“Nope. He left before I woke up.”
Meg sipped on her coffee and pondered this for a moment.
“Well, I don't mean to be a drag, but generally that's not the best sign.”
I rolled my eyes. “Uh yeah, ya think?”
I paused, immediately regretting my tone.
“Sorry, Meg, I didn't mean to be bitchy. I'm just, you know, in a bit of a state right now.”
“I understand totally, sweetie. There's nothing to be ashamed of or sorry for. I'm just here to support you, and don't worry, I can handle a bit of bitchy! We’ve been friends for a while, remember?” she shot me a knowing grin.
I laughed, relieved at the brief levity. Still, there were a lot of emotions that still needed to be dealt with.
“Have you tried calling him?” Meg asked.
“No.”
“Good. Don't. I think that you should just wait it out, see if he calls you.”
“Yeah, I guess that's the most sensible course of action to take.”
“What's happened has happened, Lilah, and there's nothing you can do to change it. The only things you need to be thinking about now are how will you proceed from here? And, are you going to let this affect me at work?”
I sipped on my coffee while thinking on these two questions. Eventually, I answered.
“I'm not sure how I'm going to proceed long term,” I replied, “but short term, I think that I'm going to try to keep my distance at work. I'll just have to be more determined and focused about it.”
“What if he calls you, like, this afternoon or this evening?”
“I won't answer.”
“And, what if he doesn't call you?”
“It'll just strengthen my resolve even more. There's no way I'm going to let myself get emotionally distraught about this. No. Way.”