“I’m heading off now. Flynn is on his way to pick me up, and we are heading out for a late dinner. Want to join us?” Her dark hair hangs loose, and even though she’s probably as tired as I am, she still looks stunning.

Although I’m tempted because I could really use a drink tonight, there is too much to sort out for my apartment, and I don’t want to be that annoying client who holds up the project because she can’t decide if the paint on the wall in the powder room should be sandstone or seashell color. I mean, most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, but that’s not the point.

“Thanks, but I don’t want to cramp your style. Third-wheeling is not much fun,” I say, laughing as I continue to type. I make it sound like it’s a joke, but there is part of me that is still mourning the loss of our close friendship. It’s not like we aren’t still close, but I’m no longer the most important person in her life, and for a good reason. She is with a man who loves her deeply. But still, it hurts and is taking some adjusting. And to be honest, I really need to get over this because I don’t plan on ever settling down with a man, so I will always be the third wheel.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know it’s not like that at all. Come on, you need to eat.” And I can see the look in her eyes that she knows I’m still struggling a bit with the change of dynamics, but neither of us are talking out loud about it.

“Yeah, yeah, thanks anyway, but I really need to do some work at home for the renovation, so I’ll just order food in. That way I can be sitting in my comfy clothes as I drive myself insane making decisions. Who knew that a simple bathroom renovation would turn into a whole apartment makeover?” I throw my hands in the air and shrug.

“Well, it didn’t have to, but you chose to go the whole way—maybe with a little help from me—but you can’t tell me you aren’t excited to see the end result, even though you complain constantly about it.” Felisha laughs at me, to which I pick up a pen and throw it at her across my office.

“I hate it when you are so right. Now go meet your man and have a nice dinner. See you in the morning after I meet the designer at the apartment.” I smile at her as she waves and walks out of the office, laughing to herself and yelling out goodbye as my door is closing.