Tangled Up Like Night and Day

Chapter 8: Gotta Be Somebody

The next morning, I was surprised to find Hunter still in bed, snoozing away with an arm draped across my waist. How could he look so handsome even when he was sleeping? I sighed, and the longer I was awake ruined my mood more. As much as I was happy to have spent the night with him again, and be near him now...I couldn't help but feel like he was right. I'd seen so many movies about what friends with benefits relationships are like, and it never works the way they think. Given how long Hunter and I had been best friends, risking that seemed to be a travesty. I almost wished I had listened to him the first time.

I rolled over to face him, gently nudging him to wake him. He was a little startled by my presence, but quickly relaxed, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Oh. Like 6 am? Sorry," I laughed slightly, feeling awkward. "Listen, can we talk? For real this time?"

He sat up with a yawn, eyes adjusting to the sunlight peeking through the curtains. "Sure, but...give me a sec to wake up?"

I agreed, reaching for the clothing strewn on the floor, quickly wrapping the bathrobe around my body before standing. I wasn't sure why I felt so awkward; obviously we had already crossed an intimate line, so why did it matter if he saw me now? I wasn't sure.

I went into the kitchen, immediately moving to measure out coffee grounds to brew a pot. We both probably needed the caffeine boost. He finally emerged as I poured us each a mug of coffee, now dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt, looking much more aware. I took a sip, trying to choose my words carefully. "Look, I...last night I was trying to come to apologize for our fight. I was out of line and immature and I'm sorry for what I said," I sighed, fingers tapping nervously against the cup. "And I should have left it alone last night. I feel like I took advantage of you in a compromised position and I'm sorry. An apology doesn't cut it, though."

He started shaking his head before I even finished speaking. "Genny, no. No one was taken advantage of. I would be lying if I said I didn't want you last night," he paused, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry too, about our fight."

"You don't really have anything to be sorry for, Hunter. You were right. Sleeping together was a bad idea for our friendship and that means more to me than anything. For the sake of us...it shouldn't happen again," I sighed again, taking another sip. For some reason, it hurt to admit that it couldn't happen again, but I knew it was the best course of action.

He blinked back at me in surprise. "I don't think you've ever said I was right about anything in the history of our friendship."

I rolled my eyes, perhaps a bit too over dramatically. "Don't make me take it back, Hunter. I'm trying to be vulnerable here."

"Hey, can't get mad at me for enjoying a small victory," He held up both hands defensively, a small smile on his face. "But, thank you. I'm glad we're on the same page."

The rest of that Monday morning passed by in peace before I had to get ready and go to work, feeling much lighter than I had before. Regardless of how messy things had become, being in a good place with Hunter was a huge relief. I felt like I could at least start getting back to normal.

On my lunch break, I thought about the situation and how to move on. What would begin to repair my relationship with my best friend? As much as I hated to admit it, what I needed most was a distraction from wanting Hunter. On a whim, I redownloaded a dating app, something I hadn't touched in a few years, and began swiping through matches. By the end of the day, I had a few matches, and was even set to meet one guy after work.

I stopped by the house to change and freshen up my appearance before heading to meet the guy, Mike, for dinner. It was definitely a last minute date, but I felt strangely confident. What did I have to lose? I changed into a nice, form fitting dress and fixed my hair before being satisfied with my look. Hunter wasn't home, so it was a quick in and out before heading to the restaurant we had agreed to meet at.

Mike was waiting outside the restaurant for me when I arrived. I was surprised to see how small he was, more Hunter's size than anyone else I'd dated. Did I have a new type? I shook the thought from my head, instead extending a hand for him to shake. "Hi, I'm Genevieve."

"Hi," he grinned, shaking my hand. "I'm Mike! Thanks for meeting me. After you?"

He opened the door for me, and I smiled gratefully. Politeness was a promising start, at least. We were soon seated at a table, talking casually about the menu until we ordered. "So, Mike, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm in marketing! Actually, funny story..." he began.

I was surprised by how quickly I started zoning out, completely uninterested. I tried to be open minded about any career, but the way he was describing it and droning on about it had me immediately losing interest. I kept trying to focus back on what he was saying, but it wasn't working whatsoever. He was perfectly nice, and I wanted to give him a chance, but he was so boring.

As the night wore on, I found myself yearning for Hunter. I wanted nothing more than to leave, cuddle up with him on the couch and watch a movie. I was polite enough with my date, but I was ready to go home. Mike seemed great, but the date couldn't end soon enough.

So much for a distraction.