Page 53 of Never Not Friends

Avery:

Yesterday at school, you said you wanted to move on from Vinny “at all costs.” You can’t get over him by refusing to date anyone who isn’t him.

Emma:

See, this is where I think you’re wrong. Going out with someone that isn’t as great as Vinny is just going to make me want him more.

Avery:

Not if I set you up with an amazing guy.

Like, I hear her logic, but I’m just not convinced there’s another amazing guy out there for me.

Avery:

You have to go out with other men. It’s a necessary part of the process, whether you like it or not.

I don’t like it.

Avery:

Emma, he’s marrying someone else. It’s time.

I know the exact tone Avery’s text was written in: gentle but filled with pity. The moment Juliet walked into the bakery yesterday flashes into my mind. The way he wrapped his arms around her, so happy to see her, as if nothing had happened between us.

The onslaught of guilt and embarrassment floods over me again.

It’s the shove I need.

Emma:

Fine. One date.

Avery:

I’ll give you my best guy.

It’s a nice gesture.

But we both know it won’t work.

EMMA

So far, Avery’s suggestions are zero for two.

After the Starbucks fiasco earlier this week, I can’t believe I still went on the blind date she set up for me. I should’ve known it would end in a similar disaster.

Okay, disaster is too strong a word. It’s not like he took me into the desert in a sketchy van.

It’s been a perfectly normal evening.

Dillan, my date, has some good qualities.

He smiles.

And chews with his mouth closed.

Asks me questions about my life and if I like being a second-grade teacher.