Page 93 of My Ex's Best Friend

I had drafted a resignation letter, and it was sitting on my laptop, waiting to go out. I hadn't looked into any new jobs, though, because I was debating moving out to my parents'. I haven't told them about my "situation" yet, but I'm sure they'll be supportive. They always are.

Tammy drops her bags at the door and closes the distance between us with a bear hug. I melt into her arms, smelling her familiar Palmer's moisturizer. It takes me right back to our childhood, when things were much simpler. "I miss you, Kie."

"I missed you too, Tam-Tam," I say, hugging her back. She has no idea how much this hug means to me. To my horror, tears stab at the corner of my eyes.

"Looks like somebody missed me," Tammy teases. "Although the way you've been blowing me off, I thought for sure you had found a new best friend."

"Or a sneaky link," Ellie says, hugging me next.

"Yeah, Ellie was convinced that you had gotten yourself a man," Tammy says.

"Not just any, though. Like this burly, bearded Parisian man who understands very little English."

I laugh. It's the first time after so many weeks. "That sounds a little too specific."

The door down the hallway opens, and the disapproving face of my neighbor peeks out with a frown.

"We better take this inside," I say.

Tammy looks around. "Don't get me wrong, Kie. The place looks great, but don't you think it's a little smaller than your last one?"

"Maybe," I say.

"It's probably just closer to her office," Ellie says. "Boston traffic can be atrocious."

"How's that going, by the way?" Tammy asks, dropping to my couch. Most of the furniture was here when I moved in, and since I've decided that I won't be in the city for much longer anyway, it didn't make sense to buy anything new.

"You still haven't unpacked," Ellie comments. "When did you move in?"

"About two weeks ago," I say. The only reason I chose this place, apart from the nominal rent, is that it has a refundable deposit in case I decide to leave at the end of the month. Which I will be.

"Your couch looks different," Tammy says, sort of bouncing up and down on it.

"Yeah, yeah, it's not mine," I say.

Tammy and Ellie exchange a glance. "What's really going on with you?"

"Nothing," I say. "Look, I know we are supposed to be having brunch right now, but I’m not really in the mood. Could we please stay in for a little bit longer?"

Ellie opens and closes her mouth and then seems to think better of it.

"Yeah. I'll go make myself comfortable," Tammy says, giving me a weird look.

My stomach churns. I absolutely hate lying to my best friends, but I know what their reaction is going to be when they find out that I hooked up with Jake. I'm not ready to hear I-told-you-so right now. I go into my room to change too.

The last couple of weeks I've been on my couch, having vegan ice-cream and tweaking with my museum project notes.

I know that I technically don't have to work right now, and that I leave in a few weeks, but I still feel a sense of responsibility towards the company. Not to Jake, though. Definitely not to him.

Just the thought of him makes my heart ache. I still can't believe that he cheated on me, and had the gall to lie to me, probably thinking that I'd never find out because I'm across an ocean.

I know Chris isn't exactly a trustworthy person, but I did see Jake’s name on his phone as he was calling, and that woman answered.

Jake didn't call or text me since his flight took off, probably because he was busy with her.

My heart throbs almost painfully, and I feel light-headed. I have to lean against the wall to steady myself.

How could he do this to me? After all the promises? After telling me that he loves me? Tears gather at the corner of my eyes.

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