Page 128 of Meant to Be

“And I’m sad becauseyou’resad—and I hate it when you’re sad,” she said, now talking quickly. “And I’m sad because I’m nearing my mid-thirties, and I’m still single without a prospect in sight.”

Berry’s dating life—or more typically, herlackof a dating life—was something we never really discussed. At times, I even convinced myself that it didn’t matter to her. She had a great career and more friends than anyone I knew. I said as much, but she shook her head, her chin trembling.

“Face it, Joe. I’m alone. And this isn’t a pity party. It’s just a fact.”

“You’re not alone,” I said. “You have me.”

“Not since Cate,” she said. “And we both know that the only reason I’m over here tonight is because she’s being a psychobitch—”

I tensed up, confused by competing loyalties.

Berry sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay,” I said.

“No, it’s not. I don’t want this to be me versus her. I want you to make up, and I want to be her friend. But Joe, I’m also not going to let her treat you like shit. And it’s taken everything I have not to call her and give her a piece of my mind.”

“Aww,” I said, feeing touched, even though I was glad shehadn’t done it. “That’s really nice—but I don’t think that’s a smart move.”

Berry smiled through her tears and said, “Don’t worry…but can you promise me one thing?”

“Anything.”

“Promise me that things won’t ever change with our friendship. No matter what. No matter who you end up with.”

“I promise,” I said. “And, shit, if Cate leaves me for good, maybe you and I should get married.”

I waited for Berry to laugh—or tell me how ridiculous that was. Instead, her eyes welled with tears.

She shook her head and whispered, “Don’t say that.”

My smile faded as I said, “Sorry. It was just a joke.”

“I know—but just…don’t,” she said, one tear rolling down her cheek.

“Is it really that horrid of a notion?” I asked, making one last attempt at humor.

Berry bit her lip and shook her head, “No, Joe,” she said, her chin trembling. “I’d marry you tomorrow if I could.”

I froze, thinking I must have heard her wrong, that the alcohol was playing tricks on me, but she kept talking. “I’ve been in love with you since the seventh grade,” she said.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, I put my arms around her and pulled her against my chest. “Shit, Berry,” I said, kissing the top of her head.

“Yeah,” she said. “Tell me about it.”

My mind racing and clouded at once, I whispered, “I love you, too, Berry. But—”

“Joe. Stop. I know. I know you don’t feel that way. I know you’re in love with her. But I needed to tell you. After all these years—I just needed to tell you.”

I nodded, now tearing up a little, too. “I’m glad you did.”

“You are?”

“Yes,” I said. “And I promise that nothing—andno one—will ever change how close we are.”

Then, as if on cue, the phone rang. I think we both knew, even before I answered, that it was Cate.

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