“You’d do that for me?”

“You’re my best friend. Of course I will help you.”

Within five minutes he told me the simple plan and against my better judgement I agreed. I was a coward, too insecure to do it alone.

Nico gave me a resolute nod and swaggered toward our best friend, he wrapped his arm around Leo’s shoulder and whispered his prepared speech in his ear.

My ribcage rattled by how fast my heart was beating. I think the useless organ was going to give out on me.

You can do this. You can do this. Just take the first step.

And I did. One step led to another as I approached their backs.

Then Leo’s hissed angry words hit me, my feet unwilling to get any closer due to the pain ripping through my body.

“I told you she’s a friend. Nothing more. Stop pushing this narrative, Nico. You’re pissing me off.”

“Why won’t you even give her a chance?” Nico asked.

“Because I don’t feel that way about her and it would be cruel to lead her on.” Leo sighed. “The only thing that I care about is the friendship I have with you and Ella. You’re both the only ones that matter to me. I would never do anything to jeopardise our friendship. I wouldn’t give that up for the world.”

I was irrevocably, friend-zoned.

Oh, this hurt. All of a sudden, the party was too loud, too packed, too much for me. So, I ran.

I made it to the footpath when strong hands jerked me into a solid chest. Nico’s calming scent lulled me into a space where I could just let go. And that’s what I did.

I cried and cried at the lost love that never even began. My make up smudging all over Nico’s designer shirt.

“I’m sorry, Gabs. I’m so sorry.”

His apologies only made me cry harder.

When I came to—I was in my bed, snuggling into Nico, soaking in his warm comfort.

“Oh god, I’m sorry,” I said, attempting to disengage. He didn’t let me, squeezing me in tighter.

“Don’t be. It sucks you and Leo didn’t work out. But I don’t want you to lose hope.”

I sniffled. “I won’t”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

“Good. Because he isn’t the only man out there for you, Gabs. There may be another person lurking in the shadows…waiting for his moment…wanting to have his chance with a remarkable woman like you…would you give that man a chance, Gabs? Would you?”

His tone was casual, but the connotation was off. His question felt heavy as if my answer could potentially change my future forever. The weight made me pause as I adjusted to the swift change from sorrow to anticipation.