Page 139 of Friends with Benefits

Evie still isn’t sure what’s happening, but the fact that Charlie Crosby has paid enough attention to her to know her dietary restrictions is enough to have her on the verge of tears. Sadie turns toward her, laughing so hard tearsdostream down her cheeks. She takes a measured breath to compose herself, then says, “Your union application was approved, Evie. Congratulations!”

Charlie smiles at her. “Great work, kid.”

“Oh.”

Evie blinks, then bursts into tears. Because she’s in the union thanks to supportive mentors who she only has because of her best friend, who applied to a fellowship on her behalf,then married herso she could accept it. Evie worked her ass off for this. Earned it. But Theo’s belief in her got her into the room and it sucks that this moment isn’t theirs to celebrate. Sadie’s and Charlie’s expressions morph from pride to tender concern when she wipes snot from her nose.

“What is happening?” Charlie asks.

Fuck.

She sniffles. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” Sadie rubs her back. It’s humiliating. “What’s wrong? Is it the cake?”

“No.” Evie hiccups, shaking her head. “Charlie, the cake is perfect. Thank you. This is so nice. Why are you being so nice to me?” She swipes at her swollen eyes. “I just… there’s someone I want to call right now, so bad, and I can’t and it’s my fault.”

“Ah.”

“Breakups suck,” Charlie says.

“It’s… more of a divorce.”

Sadie’s inhale is so sharp, she sputters, “Divorce? But… you are a fetus?”

“I’m twenty-eight.”

“A fetus!”

“It’s not… I did it for you.”

“Come again?”

Evie exhales. “So, um, this is a full-time fellowship. Obviously.” She runs her fingers through her hair, nails scraping her skull. Continues, “In order to accept this opportunity, I had to quit my job. Which, oh my God, I was so happy to do! But the fellowship doesn’t come with benefits. Like, health benefits. I’m sick. Crohn’s? It’s an inflammatory bowel disease and it’s under control right now, with minor flares here and there. I’m rambling. Basically, I can’tnothave health insurance, so I married my best friend for his health insurance. So I could take the fellowship? Which… America! Still, it seemed like a good plan. Except, I fell in love with him. No. I’ve always been in love with him?”

Silence.

Sadie and Charlie look at each other. Then at Evie, who’s mortified and positive that her mentors did not wake up this morning and think a cookie cake would induce a teary trauma dump. Sadie’s eyebrows pinch together. “What?”

“I’m sorry, this is so unprofessional—”

“If you apologizeone more time.” She crosses the booth, reaching for latte à la Sadie on her desk. Pops the lid and rips a sugar packet in half. “Just so I understand. You got married for… a fellowship?”

“Yeah.”

Charlie snorts. “No one can say that you’re not dedicated to your craft, kid.”

Sadie is not amused. “You. Out.”

Charlie raises his arms in defense. “I’m gone.”

Sadie sits and massages her temples, something that Evie’s used to witnessing in the context of a tight deadline. Her eyes settle on the gray hairs that streak Sadie’s temple. Are they becoming more prominent in real time? No. That’s impossible. “First of all,” she begins, “I’m sorry. I had no idea… I didn’t think. But I’m furious that you were put in that position.”

Evie shrugs. “This is an ableist industry.”

“It’s not an excuse.” Sadie squeezes her eyes shut. “Fuck, myhead.” Evie produces a bottle of Tylenol from the top drawer of her desk. Sadie pops two. “Thanks. Okay, help me understand. If you love the person who you’re married to… what happened?”

She attempts to explain, but every excuse feels like just that.

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