Page 47 of Make You Stay

Was he lying? I don’t know, and it wasn’t my place to ask.

In a way, it’s easier if he gives Barbara a second chance. She seems like a lovely woman, outside of the fact she isn’t too crazy about me, but who can blame her? I’m the goalie blocking the net.

With me out of the way, she’ll score easily.

See? All sewn up, nice and neat, and I’ll keep repeating it in my head until I believe the load of crap I just created.

I know what Aidan wanted that night. I wanted the same thing, and if I had opened the door, we would have spent the night pleasuring each other, and no doubt, it would have been magnificent.

But what then? The slow, painful torture of watching a friendship dissolve because we crossed a perimeter we should have heeded?

There is no easy answer.

No matter what, I have to see him tonight. It’s Enid’s birthday party, down at the local VFW hall. I know he’ll be there, and I’m certain Barbara will, too. The question is whether they arrive together.

Actually, the more important question is whether theyleavetogether.

Again, not my business, but that won’t stop my brain from ruminating on the possibilities.

I arrive a bit early, per Enid’s request. She asked if I would help her decorate, and there is no way I’ll let her down. Besides, she shouldn’t be decorating for herownparty.

But I’m troubled. Something is off with Enid, although I can’t put my finger on exactly what. She looks exhausted, although having three kids will enhance the bags under your eyes, particularly since Natalie has a new obsession. I don’t know what his name is yet, but no doubt she’ll tell me before the night is through.

Per Enid, it’s all Natalie can talk about. Good old teenage angst.

Turns out they also called Aidan in early to the festivities, and he’s busy setting up the stage for his band to play. Thankfully, Barbara is nowhere to be found—yet—but several other women are making their desiresveryobvious where Aidan is concerned.

“Vultures,” Enid mutters, following my gaze. “He’s turned them all down at least a dozen times, but that doesn’t stop them from trying.”

“He’s a good-looking, successful man who also happens to be a nice guy. I’m not surprised they’re trying.”

Enid fixes me with her blue glare. “That’s just it. Why aren’t you trying? You two have a thing for one another.”

I shake my head, maintaining my focus on the streamers in my hand. “We have a flirtation, but that’s all. We’re friends—goodfriends—, and we don’t want to mess up that connection. Sex complicates things. It muddies the waters. Our friendship is important to me, and I don’t want to ruin it. I never want Aidan to regret the idea of me.”

Okay, I didn’t mean to verbally vomit my heart onto Enid, but it’s too late now.

A knowing smile crosses her face as she hangs some light catchers. “Are you trying to convince yourself or me?”

“Both,” I manage.

“Some of the world’s greatest love affairs are born from friendship. Remember that.” She motions toward the stage. “Do me a favor? Let Aidan know he better play my favorite song tonight.”

“Why don’t you tell him? You carry far more clout.”

“Because,” she adds with a wink, “you obviously need a reason to speak to him since you’re both too chickenshit to do it on your own.”

Enid stumbles as she steps onto the ladder, and I grab her arm. “Sit down. I’ll go up on the ladder.” Climbing to the top, I lean forward, stealing another glance toward Aidan, surrounded by a fewdifferentwomen this time. Grr. “Enid, can I ask you something?”

“Yes, you should absolutely pursue Aidan.”

“Not even remotely what I planned to ask. Are you okay? You seem tired lately.”

“I can’t seem to shake this cold.”

“Have you seen a doctor?”

She nods, averting her gaze. “So far, everything looks normal. She figures I’m entering menopause early. Lucky me, right? So much for having a baby with Jeff.”

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