Page 4 of Love on the Line

“Cute? The man was more than cute, he wasgorgeous! Probably another smooth-talking player who took one look at me andsaid, ‘my next target.’”

“Oh my God, AJ, really? Is that how yousee yourself?” Jen sat forward on the edge of the lounge chair where she wassitting. “If so, then you really don’t think much of yourself at all. And tojudge another person based on looks alone?”

“Seriously?” AJ stood from the couch andbegan pacing her own living room. “It’s a natural reaction! You see a personand instantly make a judgement based on their appearance, their demeanor. Youcan’t tell me that isn’t true, because I’ve never seen you with an ugly person.All your conquests are physically attractive men.”

“My conquests?” Jen sputtered and stoodwhile Kayli sat passively, eyes wide, head toggling between the two women.

AJ faced off with her friend. “Yes,conquests, because you go through men like shit through a goose. But hey, aslong as you’re enjoying life and nobody’s getting hurt, right?” She waved herhand around in front of her. “Well that’s not me. I can’t go from guy to guy toguy.”

“I’ll have you know, which you reallyshould already know—I don’t go fromguy to guy to guy. Sure, I have fun, but I’m not some tramp who sleeps withanything having a pulse and a dick!”

“Re—”

Kayli jumped up between the two women. “Hey,hey, stop! This is not like either of you at all! Now sit!”

AJ and Jen snapped back, clearly surprisedat Kayli’s authoritative attitude. When both women sat in a huff, Kaylicontinued. “Now, Jen, we know you aren’t a tramp, and we know you care aboutAJ, but sometimes a gal has to find her own way back at her own pace.” Shefaced AJ next. “And AJ, you need to stop with the self-pity and pick up thatpace. Yes, you were used and hurt, but that’s over and it’s time for you to be youagain. You can’t live in solitudeforever.”

“Pot, kettle, black,” Jen muttered,earning her a glare from both AJ and Kayli.

“Yes, well, that may be,” Kayli started,“but I’m no good with men because I like women.”

The room grew so quiet one could hear achurch mouse fart.

“Uh, come again?” AJ asked softly.

“I knew it!” Jen exclaimed, causing AJ andKayli to wince.

“Oh, you did not,” Kayli said.

“Okay, I suspected, but that’s neitherhere nor there. Why on earth did you keep this from us? We’re supposed to bethe best of friends!”

“Yeah, well, I guess I’m a slow learnermyself, only truly realizing within the past year. But this isn’t about me,this is about AJ.” Kayli turned to AJ. “Honestly, AJ, by not letting go of theshit show that was Brad, you’re letting him hold power over you still, andthat’s not you. It’s time you moved on, met a great guy, and became happy.”

“Why does my happiness have to revolvearound finding a guy?”

“Again, you can’t live in solitude,” Kaylisaid. “Isn’t it more fun when you can share experiences with someone else? AndI’m certainly notgonnabe your girlfriend.” Shesmiled and winked at AJ, causing her and Jen to snort with laughter.

“Yeah, finding someone is so much easiersaid than done.” AJ slid back against the couch nearly pouting. “And Kayli, Ilove you no matter who you want to love. Just know that.”

“Ditto, sweetheart. We love you and wantyou happy, too.” Jen stepped to Kayli and gave her a quick squeeze.

“Thanks,” Kayli said. She sat next to AJagain when released by Jen, who then walked toward the kitchen.

Jen reappeared holding AJ’s phone. “Okay,so, maybe finding a guy can be easier said than done, and I’ll tellyahow.”

AJ eyed her friend skeptically and askedhow.

“So, there’s this online site calledFlirt Chat, where people register tojust talkto others based onsimilarities. You know, you program in all this information about yourself andthen you seek out others who have the same qualities, interests, whatever.”

“Okay,” AJ said hesitantly. “And you’retelling me this, because…?”

“Well, because I registered you there, andI picked out a guy for you to talk to, and I’ve just alerted him you’re goingto give him a call.” Jen began hitting the screen on AJ’s phone, obviouslypunching in numbers to contact this guy.

AJ sprang to her feet. “Oh, you did not! Noway, Jen. What the hell?”

Before she knew what was happening, Jenhanded her the phone, kissed her cheek, grabbed Kayli’s hand, and hauled herout the door, laughter ringing out.

“Shit!”

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