“Yowch.” I rub my chest like she just shot me.
“You know what I mean.” She rolls her eyes, not indulging me. “Timothy’s gone. The house is empty. It was easier when he was at home waiting for me to help him with something. It’s like he doesn’t need me anymore, and I—” Her voice cracks the slightest bit, revealing the tender emotions she tries to hide from me.
“You’re lonely.” I wrap my hand around the back of her neck. Her skin is damp with sweat but not in a gross way.
“A little.” She glances to the side like she had a hard time admitting the truth.
And like that, I can’t fault her for going on a date. I know what it’s like to be lonely. I’ve felt lonely since I was ten years old and heard my parents were in a car accident and wouldn’t be coming home for Christmas.
Ever.
I was lonely even surrounded by my giving, loving, adoring adoptive family during the very next Christmas. Sometimes I still am. Loneliness, I understand. And dating, I really understand.
Which is why I tell my best friend, “You’re lucky you have me.” Her gaze snaps to mine over the roof of my car. I give her an unflappable, trademarked Benji smile. “I can give you some pointers.”