“It means there’s a difference between being into someone because you think they’re right for you and being into someone because you know they’re wrong for you and you would rather set yourself up for failure than have to face the work of a real relationship. And frankly, none of your Diary ‘romances’ have ever felt like anything you really wanted to commit to, and Drew is no different.”

A heavy silence hangs between us as I fight down the urge to say something I’ll regret.

“I’m into him,” I say, but quite frankly, I’m about done with this conversation. I know things aren’t going great for Becca right now, but I didn’t think she’d take it out on me.

“Then I’m happy for you,” she says, but she really doesn’t sound happy at all. She sounds jealous, and maybe just a little bit vindictive, like she won’t be satisfied until she knows I’m miserable too.

Step 7: The Tether

It’s the moment where you form a connection that’s impossible to break, the moment that changes you forever.

Inbox (1,047)

Anonymous asked: Hey, Noah! I noticed you haven’t really been answering messages like you used to. You’re probably busy having the cutest relationship ever with Drew! When you get the chance, can you update us on how things are going and maybe post some more couple pictures? Thanks!

By the time I get to work on Monday, the place is already swarming with kids and their parents. It looks like they’re all lining up to get signed in and take their safety pamphlets or whatever.

I mostly just slept all weekend because I was bone tired, and as predicted, literally everything hurts. Even now, I’m half hobbling my way toward the rec center because every step feels like death, and my usual posture feels like a miserable contortion. The good news was that Drew’s death trap of a date got a lot of traction, and people spent all weekend congratulating me and raving about how great I am.

“On your left.”

I nearly jump out of my skin as I whirl around to find Devin walking up behind me.

“What the fuck, man?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I was just warning you I was here.”

God, I hate when people sneak up on me.

He’s got another coffee holder, two Grande Starbucks cups in it. He pulls one out and passes it to me. “Vanilla latte.”

I shake my head. “I don’t need you buying me coffee,” I say, which is true because not only does it feel exploitative to let him drop five bucks on coffee for me every morning, but if I’m going to make this thing with Drew a real thing, it feels weird letting another guy buy me coffee.

“I have a buy-one-get-one special,” he says. “Just take it.”