Chapter Twenty One

“He’s just so cute!” Lisa said as she closed her eyes and laid down on my bed. She had just come home from obviously a really great date.

I highlighted a sentence in my notes and turned to look at her.

“Lisa…this is your 4th date with Jeff!! I have to meet him!” I cried.

“You will…I promise!” she said. She took out a wallet-sized picture she had of Jeff, the new guy she was seeing and handed it to me. I looked at him. He was Chinese. He had perfect white teeth, deep brown eyes and a sweet smile. I sank down onto the bed next to him

“He’s just so cute!” I shrieked. She laughed

“Told ya!” she smiled.

It had been 3 months since that day I spent with Nick. 3 long hard months. I never realized how long three months really were until I started missing these people who used to be my best friends. 3 months since I had hung up on him. 3 months since Brian and I broke up. Did I miss Brian? Yes. But I found it hard to love him again. Maybe. Someday. Just not today.

The Next night:

“Jeff…meet Emily,” Lisa said. She looked fabulous in her black capris and this funky patterned shirt she found at a vintage shop. I smiled and shook Jeff’s hand. He smiled back and shook my hand firmly

“So this is Emily! God…it was about time!” Jeff laughed. I laughed too and we stepped out into Jeff’s car. It was a Mercedes. Lisa nudged me and I nodded. He was perfect!

Lisa and Jeff sat at the front while I sat at the back. Jeff tuned the radio to a station that played slow songs. I relaxed while Jeff told me about his majors. Lisa looked out the window and hummed to the song. Jordan Knight.

“…She asked me if we could be friends

And I said, oh, honey baby that's a dead end

You know and I know

That we wouldn't be satisfied

No

And I said

Baby don't waste your time

I know what's on your mind

U wouldn't be satisfied

With a one night stand

And I could never take the place of your man

Yeah, yeah, the place of your man…”

When the song was over the car was quiet. Jeff was focusing on the road. I was just spacing out and Lisa was examining a nail.

“That was for you Emily honey…because I can never take the place of your man…and I understand that now. I love you baby, Remember me always. ” I froze. That was Nick’s voice on the radio.

“Your name?” The DJ asked him over the radio

“Nick,” Nick responded after a long pause. He didn’t say Carter.

“Well Emily…hope you heard that from Nick…well I’m out for the night. Peace everyone! Once again, this is DJ Rick for Orlando’s best hits! Good night!” Then a commercial came on. I grabbed a tissue from my pocket and dabbed at my eyes being careful not to smudge my mascara.