Page 6 of More Than a Friend
Once I grab Zoe’s bag and help Gus finish packing his, I carry both of them out to their dad before giving them big hugs and kisses. I know it’s only forty-eight hours, but it feels like I lose a little piece of me every time they leave me.
The apartment is too quiet once they’re gone. No giggles, no music from cartoons, noclickof their toys on the coffee table. No one calling my name fifty times while I try to pee or cook dinner.
I’m grateful for my time alone, but for the first hour after they leave, I don’t know what to do with myself, so I’ve taken to making a list to keep my mind busy.
Tonight’s to-do list is to clean up their toys, vacuum the living room, make something quick for dinner, finish running the last loads of laundry, and hand washing the dishes, which have piled up in the past week.
The glamorous life of a single mom in her late twenties.
By the time all of those tasks are done, it’s only 7:00 p.m.
I slump down on the couch, feeling like an old lady because I’m tempted to go to bed. All I have left to do tomorrow before Skylar comes is fold and put away the laundry.
Skylar.
I was relieved when she said she didn’t want to go out, even though I know she would rather do that than stay in and watch crappy TV shows.
But I’m grateful for her willingness to change plans. She has checked in on me a lot more this week, like she usually does when she knows one of the kids is sick. She even sent over pizza for dinner last night, despite my arguing she didn’t need to.
She’s too good to me. I don’t know what I did to deserve her kindness, but I’m forever grateful for it.
I really need to nip this crush in the bud. I can’t keep pining over my best friend because eventually she’ll get into a relationship with another woman, and I’ll have my heart smashed.
I haven’t dated seriously since I was in high school, so I have no idea what I’m doing. The idea of meeting strangers is daunting. The two dates I went on were setups by my mom, so I didn’t have to put myself out there. I’ve never been on any dating apps, they’re so intimidating, but I guess it can’t hurt to try.
Pulling out my phone, I download the top two dating apps with the best ratings. I fill out the initial questions, selecting the “interested in anyone” option, and then go to upload pictures. I pause because I realize I’ve barely taken any of myself in the last few years.
I have a few cute, recent ones with the kids, so I edit them and make sure their faces are covered before uploading them.
At least now it’s clear I’m a mom, and I don’t have to dance around the topic.
When my profile is loaded, I start swiping through potential matches, reading their profiles and analyzing the answers to their questions. Every man seems to be an automatic no for me. There are a few pretty women and nonbinary people who catch my eye, but all I can think is none of them are Skylar.
No one captures my attention the way she does, but maybe it’s because this is virtual. Maybe they would if we were to meet in person.
When the clock finally reads eight-thirty, I decide it’s an acceptable time for me to get ready for bed.
My dating dilemma can wait until morning.
Chapter 4
Skylar
I showup at Ava’s apartment at ten with a box of pastries from a local German bakery and two vanilla cold brews.
I don’t bother knocking, using the spare key she gave me to let myself in.
“Aves! I’m here!” I call from the kitchen.
“Just getting dressed! Be right out!”
Do not think about your best friend naked. Do not think about your best friend naked.
I busy myself getting a plate from the cupboard and placing the treats on it so my thoughts don’t wander.
It doesn’t work very well.
Ava wanders in, her short brown hair still slightly damp from her shower, her skin slightly flushed.
