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“It seems like you’re only imagining the worst-case scenarios with Evan. You’ve yet to imagine if it works out…” Jo’s voice trails off.
“What would be the point? Evan and I are amazing as friends. Why would I want to risk it all for the one percent chance it could work out?”
“It’s just that … well, you’re right. If you agree to honor the marriage pact, and something goes wrong, you’ll lose Evan. It’ll likely be just as you described. But, if you don’t honor the marriage pact and just remain friends, like you are now, he will eventually get married, and you’ll likely still lose him. But you’ve yet to imagine a reality where it works out…”
I freeze as I listen to Jo speak.
As usual, her wisdom is sobering to the point of pain.
I can only whisper now. “So, you’re suggesting I should honor the marriage pact, simply because I’m afraid to lose him? Is that what you’re telling me?”
My friends smile kindly.
Larisa grabs my hand. “No, honey. Not at all. We’re suggesting you honor the marriage pact because it’s more than obvious that you love him.”
Chapter Eleven
Evan
“Good evening, and welcome to the Boston High Gym! May I see your membership card, please?”
“Yeah, sure…” I fish my membership card out of my gym bag and show it to the man at reception.
He scans it with a smile. “You’re all set, Dr. Davis! Have a pleasant workout. As a reminder, the sauna, pool, and Pilates rooms are all open until midnight. You’re welcome to make the best of them! Please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you or if you need help!”
“Thanks!” I smile back at him before making my way inside the gym.
After a shift at the hospital, my workout allows me to decompress—releasing all the tension, the stress, and the pressure that builds up throughout the day.
The gym is fairly empty this late in the evening, which is something I’m grateful for. The silence and rhythmic sounds of the machines put my mind at ease and help me relax. I take off my T-shirt and make my way over to the treadmill.
“Hello, Evan! Fancy meeting you here!”
I snap around and am very surprised by who I see. “Umm … Hi, Carol. What are you doing here? I’m sorry—I mean … I didn’t know you went to this gym.”
“Sure, I do! Well, I do now. I just joined a few days ago!”
“You just joined my gym a few days ago? What a coincidence,” I say, growing a little suspicious.
“Yes, yes! I’ve been working double shifts at Floreale since Emmy took her vacation and I thought that I should also hit the gym a little. You know, to relax more,” she explains.
Vacation?
I suddenly feel the need to defend my best friend. “Emmy didn’t take a vacation. She broke her arm and needs to rest until her bones mend. Otherwise, her arm may not heal well, and she could have issues with it forever.”
“That’s exactly what I meant! Of course, she’s not on a vacation, the poor thing! I’m so silly!” She laughs. “Although I have to say, she sure has been acting like she’s on a vacation with all the lunches and shopping she’s doing!”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you expecting Emmy to spend the next two months locked inside her apartment or something?” I reply, getting more and more peeved.
I don’t like the fact that Carol, for some reason, seems to be putting Emmy down.
I thought they were friends.
“Absolutely not! She’s a beautiful young woman who definitely needs to put herself out there more! I always tell her: Emmy, you … you are just great! That’s what I always say. And who knows, maybe she’ll also find a boyfriend while she’s at it.” Carol giggles.
I bend down to get my water bottle from my gym bag. But also, to try to signal I’d like to end this conversation. Unfazed, Carol keeps talking.
“Yeah, just a few days ago, I was scrolling through Instagram, and I saw that she went wedding dress shopping with her friends. Gosh, she looked so good in that bridesmaid dress! I have no doubt that she can get any man she wants!” Carol says.
