18. Lizzie
18
LIZZIE
Ellie: Lia and I are on our way. Be there in ten!
Me: Can’t wait!
Lia and Ellie jump out of the car and make their way to my open door with a box of pizza and donuts and a bottle of wine.
This is so what I need.
After last night, I need advice. Bad.
“I’m dying to know how the date went. And, Els, you’ve been holding out on us. What the hell is going on with you and Liam?” Lia exasperatedly asks.
“Before we get into that, let’s get some food and wine and get comfortable,” I say while grabbing some plates and glasses.
Once we’re settled on my couch, we all start to dig in. I’m only two bites in, and I can see Lia’s patience slipping away fast.
“Okay, so the date with Brian was a disaster—no real surprise—but Cameron was there. We ended up making out in his car, and he asked if I wanted to be his friend-with-benefits,” I say like it’s no big deal.
“What?” Lia and Ellie scream at the same time.
“Yeah.”
“What did you say?” Lia asks.
“I said yes, but then he told me to think about it for a couple of days. He wants to make sure I’m sure.”
“Oh, wow. Gentleman Cam?” Lia pretends to swoon, and we all laugh.
“How do you feel about it?” Ellie asks.
“Not that gentlemanly, actually. He’s been avoiding me ever since. Like he’s regretting it maybe. I want to…”
“If you want to, you should, Liz. This is literally all you’ve ever fantasized about. Just protect your heart. He’s been so hot and cold that I don’t know if he even knows what he wants. But if it’s meant to be casual, don’t let your feelings get more invested than they already are.”
“Lia’s right. You don’t want to spend eighteen months obsessing over a guy you spent one night with and never thought you’d see again…until you do.” Ellie cringes into her wine, and I can see how miserable she is even bringing this up.
“Okay, Els, what happened?” I ask.
“That’s what happened. It was one night and now he’s suddenly everywhere and wanting my attention.”
“Alright, here’s some free therapy for both of you since I don’t have my degree and license yet.” Lia grabs our hands. “You are hot and smart and funny and successful, and you can have anything and everything you want, so don’t settle for a guy who doesn’t see what’s right in front of him.” Lia turns to Ellie before she speaks again. “And if you aren’t sure what you want, take some time to think about it. It seems like the ball is in your court.”
We can always count on Lia to come to the rescue.
With her advice fresh in my mind, I decide I’m going to go for it. As long as he’s still on board, so am I.