Page 37 of Here's to Yesterday

Jane pats my hand. “I don’t envy you, honey. Not one bit. I can see your struggle. But if you’re not with him for the right reasons, you should set him free. Yourself,too.”

I give her one stiff nod and feel Rae place her hand on my back. “She’s right, Maura. You’re torturing yourself over this. Be honest withhim.”

I stand up straight and proud. “I’ll do it next time he’s home. Promise,” Ideclare.

I ignore the glance Rae and Jane exchange and dig into my purse to pay for my newclothes.

“See you girls next week,” Jane says as we exit. We both throw small waves over our shoulders toher.

“You wanna go get fattening sympathy coffees atPerk?”

Smiling, I say, “You know me so well,Rae.”

She bumps me once. “I’m here, you know. For anything. I’ll always back youup.”

I nod because I know I’m not able to talk past the lump that’s formed in my throat. Then I smile at the oddest thought that runs through mymind.

Suck it, Tucker. I’ve got greatfriends.

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