“That’s awesome, man.What’s her name?”I ask, turning back to my lunch tray and popping a chip in my mouth.
“Jolie Peters.She’s new.From Georgia.”
I choke on my chip and feel the heavy pats from my best friend as my heart spirals down to my stomach.I swallow some water and try to hold myself together.This can’t be right.He’s playing a trick on me.This has to be a joke.A horrible joke.Right?
Glancing up at my best friend in the whole world, I see the concern in the downturn of his mouth and the slight squint of his eyes, but I can also see a brightness that hasn’t been there since his dad died.
Hope.
This isn’t a trick.It’s just fate fucking me over.For three glorious weeks I thought I would finally have that big love I always heard about as a kid.I thought I’d get to be with my soul’s other half.Looking at Robbie, I already know that’s not what’s going to happen.I can’t take away this hope from him.I can’t hurt him that way.
Robbie looks over my shoulder, and a bright smile lights his face.“Hey Jo.This is my best friend, Tristan.”
I turn around and stare at Jo.I put up every wall I have so she can’t see the emotions swirling like a storm inside me.When she smiles at Robbie, my heart shrivels up in my chest.She likes him too.
Fuck, this hurts.Why would the universe do this to me?Why would it show me my soulmate and then put her in someone else’s arms?And not just any someone—my best friend.
I shouldn’t have waited.I should’ve made a move when I had the chance.
Jo moves around me and sits next to Robbie.I sit silently eating my lunch, occasionally contributing to the conversation, but it’s torture sitting here with them.The longer lunch goes on the more I can see they fit together.She seems happy and into Robbie, and he’s like a lovesick puppy dog.
By the time lunch ends, I’ve made a decision.One that guts me to my core and leaves a hollow ache where my heart resides, but I won’t take away the happiness of my best friend or the girl I’m in love with.
I won’t stand in their way, and I’ll never confess the truth to either of them.