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“Anytime, buddy.” Sam stood and stretched her arms. “So, what’s the plan for our lovelorn friend, Ben? Do you need help to plan an intervention?”
“No need for that, as I’ve got a plan in mind already. Pizza and beer. That’s how real men celebrate both victory and heartbreak.”
Samantha chuckled. “I’m more into retail therapy myself. Oh—” She reached out to touch my shoulder. “Don’t forget about Jack’s birthday gathering tonight. We’re meeting at that bar across from the office. Maybe you could invite Ben along?” Samantha raised an eyebrow. “Might help take his mind off things.”
Shit. I had forgotten about that, and Sam was right. It was an even better idea than sitting at Ben’s house, trash-talking all his ex-boyfriends. Getting Ben out with other people would be good for him.
I typed out a message to Ben with the bar’s address and an enthusiastic promise to buy the first two rounds.
With that settled, I returned to my work, my thoughts wandering to the evening ahead.
Since meeting up in college, Ben and I had faced all kinds of problems together—from break-ups and flat tires to the death of my mother. We’d been there for each other, through the darkest storms, and nothing would ever change that.
three
Ben
Dark clouds brooded overhead as I stepped into Hoppin’ Joe’s Pub, the humidity clinging to my skin. Wiping the beaded sweat from my brow, I peered around the bar, surprisingly full on a Tuesday night, and my gaze fell upon Leo, in his favorite flannel shirt and dark jeans, surrounded by a gaggle of coworkers. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth; it was no surprise that people flocked to Leo, drawn in by the warmth of his laughter and the twinkle in his eyes.
Everything about Leo was bigger, from his height to his heart and compassion. No, he wasn’t the most athletic man on the basketball court, but Leo held his own every Saturday morning during our weekly game. A solid man who was always there for me.
“Hey, stranger!” Leo called out as soon as he spotted me, beckoning me to a high-top table over with a wave. I sauntered through the crowd, the weight of the day slowly lifting off my shoulders. “About time you showed up! I was about to send out a search party.”
Chuckling, I shrugged off the comment. “You know how the boss gets. Had to finish those reports.”
Leo shook his head. “I wouldn’t know. Our boss is pretty cool. He’s the one at the bar with the tequila shots lined up in front of him. Some of you guys know Ben, right?” Leo dropped his large protective arm around me. “He’s the brilliant software engineer who keeps me grounded and lends me money when I’m short on cash.”
A woman named Ginger reached out her hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you!”
“Likewise.” I clasped her hand with a smile.
“Grab a drink and join us,” another person suggested, gesturing to the table laden with half-empty glasses and scattered appetizers.
“Sounds like a plan.” As I settled into a conversation with Leo’s coworkers, I paused to admire Leo’s ease in social situations. Leo had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and included, which was something I often struggled with. He just made people feel at ease, and he always made me feel better about myself.
I was a better Ben when I was with Leo.
“Two Electric Jellyfish, please.” Leo thanked the bartender and handed a cold bottle to me as we clinked bottles. “To surviving another week.”
“Cheers to that.” I took a sip of the bitter liquid that felt so familiar on my tongue.
“Ugh, how do you guys drink that stuff?” Ginger grimaced, watching us from across the table.
“A fine IPA is an acquired taste.” Leo chuckled, winking at me. “You’ll get used to it, eventually.”
“Or not,” I added, smirking as we both shared a knowing glance. I flopped heavily on my stool. “Today was a long day.”
“What do you do?” Victor, another coworker, asked as he joined us.
“I’m a software engineer. Backend stuff for various clients, mostly in the oil refinery business.” I shrugged, attempting not to bore them with the details. “Nothing too glamorous.”
Leo’s hand rested on the back of my neck, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “Ben here’s quite the coding wizard. He doesn’t give himself enough credit. He’s a genius when it comes to problem-solving.”
My face flushed at Leo’s praise, a mix of pride and humility that he valued our friendship so deeply. It was comforting to have someone who truly believed in my abilities, especially in a field that demanded perfection.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, with the group discussing various tech trends, industry news, and the occasional lighthearted banter. Then Leo nodded at his friends and guided me to a cozy, worn booth along the back wall. “Sit and tell me how you are really doing,” he said as he slid into one side.
I shrugged and sat down on the opposite side. I pulled out my phone and swiped through screenshots. “I’m okay. He didn’t break my heart or anything. But—this was a low point for me.” I snorted as I slid the phone across the table to Leo. “I almost wish he’d just ghosted me rather than dump me this way.”
