Page 4 of Love Potion

“Well I think you should talk about it instead of assuming things. Just my opinion though.”

“Maybe. I want him to be happy, that’s all.”

“Yeah? And if Alec makes a play, you’ll be cool with that?”

I glare at Indy. He knows he’s poking the bear. “Yeah, no.”

“Your call, man.” He squeezes my shoulder. “But if I were you, I wouldn’t waste any more time. You already have a whole life together. All you’re missing is romance.”

Which is kind of a big deal.

“Did you see this?” Jerryn says, holding out another ridiculous souvenir. “These are hilarious.”

I gently shove Indy’s arm and walk over to look at the items with my best friend. I don’t know what it will take for me to get off the fence and fess up that I want so much more with him. Maybe I’ll wake up one day and confess, but that day isn’t today.

THREE

JERRYN

I’ve ignoredthe text all day, but it’s been hanging over me, so it’s time to deal with it. After a long day at the festival, all I want to do is decompress with Bane and some video games, but before I can do that, I have to deal with Alec.

I unlock my phone screen and open the text, re-reading it for the umpteenth time before finally responding.

Me: Hey. I was out all day so apologies for the delay. It would be great to catch up. Let me know what works.

I hit send even as my stomach churns a little. Alec showed all the signs of a potential relationship. He was funny, smart, and seemed to like a lot of the same things I did. I told him about my issue and he was nice about it. Patient. Until he wasn’t. Until he decided that Bane was the reason I wasn’t the way normal guys are. The jealousy and fights became too much, and the whole thing fizzled before it even really got started.

We didn’t talk much after that; only briefly when our paths crossed around town or at comic conventions. That’s why his text out of the blue is so confusing. Why would he want to see me after all this time?

My phone buzzes and my shoulders immediately tense. I swipe the screen, reading over the words.

Alec: Awesome. I’ll be there for three days downtown at the Abella Hotel. Meet for a drink there?

Me: Sure. What time and day?

Alec: How about Monday night when I get in before the conference starts? Six?

I nod, even though he can’t see me. I can do this. I can face him. It’s not like I was in love and he broke my heart. He disappointed me, but that’s no different from all the other guys I’ve dated. I just hoped a little harder with him.

Me: Sounds good. See you then.

I put my phone down and lean back in the chair. Bane was dating Greg when I met Alec, and I was so excited. I thought maybe we could double-date, and Greg and Alec could be friends and I’d have what I always wanted, but that’s not what happened.

I know I should get back out there and try dating again. Not for me, but for Bane. I’m holding him back even if he won’t admit it. He spends all his time with me, and while I love it, he’s missing out on a potential partner.

I rub the tight spot in my chest that always pops up when I think about Bane being in a long-term relationship with someone. It’s selfish to keep him to myself, but I can’t imagine my life any other way. I gave up thinking I would find someone to love a long time ago. Even though he’s just my best friend, Bane set the bar—and my expectations—too high.

After a brief knock, my door opens and Bane pops his head in. “Okay to enter?”

“Yep.”

He smiles as he walks over to where I sit on the couch. “Did you do it?”

I nod, nibbling my bottom lip for a second. “Done. We’re gonna meet Monday night for a drink.”

“Good. Better to know what he wants, right?”

“Right. I’m sure it’s nothing though. Just being polite.”

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