“It’s not different. You’re allowed to have feelings about this whole situation. We all have bad thoughts that have crossed our minds. Do they make us bad people? No, they don’t, because all that matters is how we deal with those thoughts. I love my sister-in-law, Madie. She is an amazing woman, and I can’t imagine going through this without her. So, yeah, while my thoughts are awful sometimes, I can see that it’s just me hurting, and I don’t really mean it.”

I grabbed her hands. “Darcy, you’re a great friend and it’s ok to feel what you’re feeling. You’re not malicious in your intent, just hurt that you’ve had to go through this. You’ve lost someone you love. I hope you find what you’re looking for, and it may be with Evan, or it may not be. I think you guys owe it to yourselves to find out, but you can’t have a one-sided relationship. That’s not healthy, and that’s not fair to you. You deserve better. If he can’t get over wanting to protect you and not include you in that decision, then that’s his problem. He needs to man the fuck up.”

Darcy laughed at my declaration. “God, I wish he would just include me in whatever he is thinking. It’s clear that he still has feelings for me but…” She started off like she was recalling their conversations. “You know what? Fuck this. I told myself I wasn’t going to be this girl. I would not be a woman who pined after a man who didn’t want her. If he can’t see that I’m worth it, then I’m done.”

I felt proud of her for thinking of herself first. I felt like so many women didn’t put themselves first and that hurts us more than anything.

“Good for you, Darcy.” I smiled at her. “You deserve someone who is going to treat you as an equal. Who thinks the sun rises and sets with you and someone who will do anything to keep you and the relationship healthy.”

She looked up at me with determination in her eyes. “You’re right. I will settle for nothing less.”

“Atta girl,” I said, squeezing her hand.

“Don’t patronize me,” she laughed.

I laughed too. “So, tell me about the cute guy from your birthday.”