My Father's Best Friend

Chapter 9

Aria's P.O.V.

Have you ever thought about how your life would be if you had never met someone? I do. I haven't talked to Mark in 2 weeks. I miss him.

After we kissed, I promise I'd call him, but I knew in my heart I wouldn't. Avoiding him seemed like the best option, because we both know we can't just date. It's wrong, although it feels so right. I don't know anymore.

The thing is though, I know I can't just disappear from his life, because he is my dads best friend. I am bound to see him at some point. And I don't know if I would stay away even if I could.

"Ar?" I hear a voice, but my heart sinks when I see it's just Carrie. Not that I'm not glad to see her, it's just that Mark used to call me that. Oh god, I miss him.

"Hey Carrie. What are you doing here?" I say as I sift through the rack of dresses in H&M.

"Shopping for something to wear for my date tonight, silly! What about you? Anyone special you're seeing tonight?" She winks at me, but I can't blame her because I didn't tell her about the kiss. She doesn't know how sad I am about it. I guess she sees this, because my face drops.

"What's wrong love? Did I say something?" I shake my head no, but she knows me better. She urges me out of the store and onto a nearby bench.

"Spill."

I sigh, and start.

"Okay, so 2 weeks ago, I called Mark at his office and told me to meet me in the parking lot. You know, after the whole work party awkwardness, I just had to set some things straight. When I got there, I told him I didn't think we could be friends anymore, and he just...he looked so distressed. He was pleading with me, and then he kissed me. I told him I would call him, but I haven't. It's not right, Carrie. It feels right, but it's not."

She nods understandingly. Her face lights up, in an aha! moment.

"I know just what will make you feel better! Let's go out tonight!"

"What about your date?" I laugh.

"Oh he won't mind, you can just tag along. We're going to some club anyway." She smiles excitedly.

"As much as being a third wheel appeals to me, I can't tonight. My parents are having a get together to celebrate the twins' birthday. I promised Lily and Lauren I'd make it." I remember the reason I am at the mall in the first place, to get them their birthday presents. Are barbies too cliché?

Carrie pouts, but eventually relents. She makes me promise to go out with her tomorrow night, and we say our goodbyes.

I sit in a cute cafe to rest my feet, I have been shopping for hours. I order a small coffee, pay for it, and get up to leave. I need time to get ready for the party.

By the time I get home it's 5, and the party starts at 7, so I'm good. I take a hot bath, which seems to calm me from thinking about Mark.

I get out, dry myself and my hair, and begin to get dressed. I decide on a light baby blue dress that stops an inch before my knee, with sleeves to my elbows. It's tight at the top, then flows out more below my chest. I pick out a pair of black pumps and curl my hair, apply minimal makeup and head out of my dorm, set on going back to my house. It's 6:30 when I begin to unlock my car, and I almost get in but someone stops me.

Startled I turn around, and begin with a "Can I help y-" but stop when I realize who it is.

"Josh! Oh my god, when did you get back?! I missed you!" I say, engulfing him in a hug.

"Just a few hours ago. I'm glad to be back!" He says, smiling.

Josh was my best guy friend, until he signed up to go on a charity trip to build homes in a third world country. He's a really great guy, and we were like an unofficial couple before he left, but I broke whatever it was off when I found out he was leaving so neither of us would get hurt. I don't do long distance.