Page 22 of Some Things Never Change

“She made me feel like I was immature, and it all eventually became too much. So, I broke up with her and turned in my two weeks’ notice because NYC just wasn’t for me. But she became petty and secretly threw away most of my Lego collection when she came over to grab her things from my condo while I was at work. I had to build my collection back up from scratch.”

“That was three years ago, though. Why didn’t you tell me about it?”

“Because I didn’t want you to worry.” He shrugged, a little too nonchalantly.

The fury I felt in my chest ignited into anger. “Why wouldn’t I worry? I care so much about you, Andy. Of course I’d worry, because what she said and did was wrong. So what if you like Legos? All she did was watch reality TV shows all the time. Nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t like you were also telling her not to indulge in it.”

“I know. Why do you think we barely lasted a few months?”

The frown on my face softened with a sigh. “Andy, look at me.”

He had been avoiding my gaze this whole time. So, when he finally looked me in the eye, I felt a sense of guilt wash over me. Why didn’t he tell me about this sooner? Was I not being a good friend?

“I wish you told me about this sooner than later. Why am I just now finding out that this happened?”

“I-I didn’t want you to burden you. This happened when you were in a great relationship, happy with your job, and everything was great. Didn’t want to damper your life with all that was going on with me. That’s why.”

I lost my voice in the emotions lodged in my throat. It barely came out as a tiny croak as I felt my heart drop again. “Are you being serious right now?”

“Tink, it’s fine. It’s all water under the bridge.”

I felt my eyes burn as they bore into him. Andy looked back with what looked like regret and guilt swimming in those pools of hazel green.

“How is it all water under the bridge? Maybe for you, but it’s not for me. Are you even trying to understand how I’m feeling right now? I’m frustrated that your fucking ex even did that to you, and I’m angry that you never even bothered to tell me.”

“It’s not that I never bothered to tell you. I chose not to tell you because your life was going so well. You were doing great in your career, traveling the world, and living your best life. I even thought you were going to get engaged.”

I shook my head slowly, not buying his excuse. “That’s not fair. You’re my best friend and I care about you. I’ve always cared about you, no matter what’s happening in my life. You would have done the same for me and I know it.”

He looked down, his face a mix of shame and sadness. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to be a burden on you.”

“You’re never a burden on me, Andy.” My voice was firm as I stepped closer to him. “You should have never kept that from me. Do you know how upset I am that you had to go through all of that alone? I should’ve been there for you, and yet, I wasn’t.”

He looked up at me, his eyes shining and misty. “I’m sorry.” His voice cracked.

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. “Don’t ever hold yourself back from telling me the truth ever again, alright?” I gave him a small, reassuring smile. “I care a lot about you and I never want you to go through anything like this again alone.”

Andy flashed me a wobbly smile back. “Tink?—”

“You know that I admire your love for Legos, right? You build each project piece by piece. Your projects take effort, time, and patience. They’re built out of love and passion and that’s admirable, Andy. So what if you like Legos? All that means is that you’re an incredibly hot Lego nerd. It’s sexy to see people in love with their hobbies.”

My comment seemed to amuse him. His lips tipped up into a mischievous smirk. “Oh, so you think I’m a hot and sexy Lego nerd, huh?”

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up! You know you’re hot. I don’t need to tell you twice.”

“Come on, Tink. Say it again.”

“No. I’ve already said it once. I'm not saying it again.” I shook my head with a stupid grin on my face as Andy laughed. “I’m trying to be serious here!”

“Okay, okay.”

“Just promise me that you’ll never let anyone make you feel bad about something that brings you joy ever again. I don’t care how hot she is, she’s not worth it. You should never be with someone who doesn’t love you for who you truly are.”

Andy smiled gently as he continued to watch me intently. “Thanks, Tink. Hearing you say that makes me feel better about my Lego obsession.”

“So, are you going to leave your finished projects out where I can see them, then?”

“Only if you’re my assistant.”

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