The Truth

3 Months Later

Mikey

"I can't believe you left me," I complain the moment Mikey places the food down on the table. "AS my friend you should want to see me climb up the ladder and go somewhere with my life. Besides I have double responsibilities now looking over both restaurants and seeking out a third location," he tries to justify.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm super happy for your promotion, but now I have a new manager that doesn't understand jokes," I continue to ramble. He laughs and pats my shoulder before walking back into the kitchen. "You poor thing, now you have to go back to actually respecting your boss," he teases.

I mock laugh and stick my tongue out at him. "I respected you. I mean as my best friend, but there was still respect...sort of at work," I try to defend myself.

"Thanks for making dinner though, you make the best homemade alfredo sauce," I compliment to turn the conversation around. Mikey smiles and brushes his shoulders off. I playfully roll my eyes and say, "Don't let it go to your head." He laughs and tells me, "Only teasing. I thought I should make one of your favorites since you're dealing with finals now."

I grit my teeth and comment, "Don't even remind me about them." He laughs again and reassures me, "You'll do good like you always do. Just remember to not sike yourself out. You're smart and I believe in you. Besides as one of your closest friends, just know you can keep your job at the restaurant for forever." 

I gasp and voice, "That's not something to joke about."

Beau

After waiting for what feels like twenty minutes, finally my name is called. I rush over to my coffee and can't help the smile forming on my face as I take my first sip. Totally in my own little world, I almost run into someone as I'm leaving the café. Those hazel eyes I recognize too well. 

Beau.

I offer a small smile, but in return he gives me one of force. "Beau, it's been awhile, do you have a minute to talk?" I ask, genuinely curious about his life. He left the restaurant and I never felt like I had a right to reach out. "Sure," is all he answers.

As I awkwardly sit on a bench next to Beau, I'm not sure if I should talk first or wait for him.

"I was trying to find the right words to say. I know it's been awhile. I know you tried to make peace in the beginning, but Mel, you broke my heart. I would be lying if I said I was okay. I fell in love with you. That's why we can't be friends. I'm sorry, I never wanted it to be this way. We were once close, but I can't see us going back. I'm going home to Australia after I graduate, I thought I should let you know," he finally speaks.

I can't help the frown on my face, he's leaving soon.

"I should go..." he begins to say, but I interrupt with, "Our friendship meant something to me. Just so you know." He gives me a small smile and admits, "Thanks Mel. That means a lot. Also, through this all I realized I'm not the type to sleep around. It's worth it to wait for one person to love."