Page 77 of Phishing for Love
In an attempt to lighten the atmosphere, I suggest, “We’re dumping you walking in on me in the Creative Room.”
He looks off into the distance. “No way. That’s another memory I’m definitely keeping.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
First thing I do when I get home that evening is drag my body into the shower. I’m desperate to wash away the humiliation of today. But the spray of hot water can’t erase the blistering memory of Calvin’s disappointed face, everyone’s pitying stares, and a smirking Rick stopping by my cubicle to gleefully rub in my stupidity.
I’m in the middle of making myself a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner when a loud banging at my door makes me jump.
“Trouble, Trouble, let us in!” yells a voice that is unmistakably Sofia’s.
I hear a giggle that I recognize as Kenzie’s.
A wave of relief washes over me at their unexpected visit.
I open the door to find Sofia and Kenzie standing on my front porch. I’m wearing my favorite comfort pjs and they’re still in their work clothes. They’re each holding a tote bag.
“We’re bringing the vending machine to you,” declares Sofia, pulling me in for a brief, one-armed hug.
Emotion thickens my throat. “I thought our ladies’ night was tomorrow.”
“After hearing what happened today,” Sofia says, “we decided there’s no way you’re spending the evening alone.”
Dropping her bag, Kenzie throws her arms around me. “We’re here for moral support and comfort.”
“Actually,” Sofia says, “we’re here to drink ourselves silly and to stick pins in a Calvin doll.”
She reaches into her bag and hauls out a hobbit-like doll figure that looks uncannily like Calvin.
Kenzie wears a slightly apologetic expression. “We’ll only poke him with two pins.”
Behind Kenzie, Sofia winks and holds up five fingers.
I feel instantly lighter. These two amazing women are not blood, but they’re my people. Friends who are joyful and boisterous when I’m desperate for distraction, but who will also sit quietly with me in those dark-night-of-the-soul moments. How do people navigate life’s tricky and winding roads without friends?
I usher them into the entryway. “Let’s get you guys inside so we can drown our sorrows in private.”
Kenzie slips her arm through mine. “Just so you know, this is not a pity party.”
“There shall be no wallowing!” shouts Sofia in a Gandalf-like voice as she sashays down my hallway.
A smile takes over my face as I feel her resilience seeping into my skin.
In the kitchen, Kenzie pulls out a bottle of champagne from her bag.
I frown in confusion. “Champagne? Wouldn’t wine be more appropriate?”
“We’re practicing healthy coping skills,” Kenzie explains as she unpacks chocolates, chips, and popcorn onto the counter.
Right. Because, yeah...healthy.
Sofia lines up three champagne flutes. She looks me square in the eye. “Have you beat yourself up about what happened today?”
I nod. “About a hundred times.”
“Listen to me, Tess,” she says, her tone fierce. “You beat yourself up once. That’s it. That’s all you allow yourself. Then you move on.”
Kenzie pours champagne into the flutes. “Since you’ve already given yourself a beating, we’re now on to the moving-on part. And that’s what we’re celebrating tonight.”
