Page 5 of Man Seeking Woman

That got a giggle as she dabbed her nose. "Thanks, not only do I have to deal with this mess, but my best friend will draw blood to save the nose of the Star Lord."

"You bet your ass. You have seen him right? Can you blame me?"

"The day he's in your apartment, using your tissues, is the day pigs start shitting gold."

We both started laughing and it eased the tension in Kayla's body. Relaxing against my counter, she gripped the edge. "So, I heard there was red wine? I mean, I didn't actually come here to see you. You know that, right?"

"If I didn't use you for your incredible taste in clothes and shoes, I might actually be offended by that. But, I think we both deserve this." Grabbing some glasses, I pulled out the bottle of wine from the small rack in the bottom cupboard, and started opening it up.

"Why? What happened to you?"

Facing away from her, I struggled with the cork as I spoke. "Let's just say people want something I can't give."

"You aren't kidding," she said. I could hear the sound of paper crinkling, and looked over my shoulder to see her holding the collection notice. "What are you going to do?"

"Fuck if I know." Handing her a full glass, I took a big gulp of mine and arched my brows. "What the hell can I do? You can't draw blood from a stone."

"El, what the hell is happening to us?" Swirling her glass, Kayla walked into my living room and dropped into my chair. "It's like we hit twenty-four and our lives suddenly went to shit."

"At least your issue is just a douchebag you can walk away from. I don't think I can hide from the creditors." Sitting on the loveseat under the window, I gave her a big smile. "I hear they have more eyes than the CIA, they can hunt you down anywhere. I'm fucked."

We both started laughing again, and Kayla shook her head, setting her glass on the coffee table. "I can't drop Justin that easily, although I wish I could. But, I love him."

"Do you really love him? Or is it just easier than being alone?" Veering my stare, I gave her my best,'I know you better than you think,'glare.

"Come on, El, don't give me that look. We have history, of course I love him."

"History?" Cocking a brow, I purse my lips. "Kayla, you two have been together for less than a year. I'd hardly call that history."

Kayla rolled her eyes, sitting deeper into the chair. "It's not something you'd understand, you've never been in love before. It's a feeling, it sits deep inside your chest, and you can't ignore it. When things are good between us, he makes me smile, he makes me laugh, it's like we've known each other our entire lives. That's why I can't walk away."

"Blah," I said, sticking out my tongue. "Did we just step into a cheesy Lifetime movie?"

"I know you don't like him, you've never liked him, but he has good qualities."

"If by good qualities you're referring to his washboard abs and perfectly cut jaw, then sure, he has a couple. But as far as boyfriend material or being good for you—no, Justin sucks ass."

"El—"

Cutting her off, I leaned forward and held my hand up to stop her from talking. "Kay, I get it, you think what you two have is love. But, the way he talks to you sometimes, it pisses me off. You deserve better, we both know that. And if you can't see it, it's my job as your best friend to tell you. Regardless, I'm here for you, even if your choice in men is not the best."

Kayla smirked, picking up her glass and downing the last bit of wine. "I know, but for right now, maybe you can be there for my empty glass instead?" Wiggling her glass, she eyed the bottle of wine.

"That I have no problem doing." Taking her glass, I went back to my small kitchen and filled us both back up.

"Hey, so you need money, right?" she asked, glancing at me over her shoulder.

"Don't we all," I mumbled as I walked back holding our freshly filled cups. "But I won't take any of your money if that's what you're getting at."

"What about taking someone else's?"

"What are you talking about?" Placing her glass down on the table, I plopped back into my seat and laid my legs over the arm.

Kayla was holding the newspaper, peeking her eyes over the top to look at me. "I think I might have just found the answer to your problem." I could hear a playful tone in her voice, and I could picture the smile on her face without having to see it.

"Oh boy, this can't be good. What did you find?" I asked warily, sitting up straight.

Standing up, Kayla passed me the paper. "Third page, in the classifieds section."

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