The Hurting Kind

Friends With Benefits

"Caroline says that Rick was planning to purpose."

Maya looks up at Thomas, sniffling as he takes a handkerchief from the breast pocket of his blazer and moves her further away from the cheering audience.

"I suspected as much, but..." Maya's sobs rock her body and she welcomes Thomas' embrace.

"He worked hard to prove he could be CEO of Forrester Creations Thomas. I couldn't let him lose it because of me. I just couldn't!"

Thomas holds Maya in his arms for a few more moments before letting her go. Feeling a bit foolish that all it took was seeing a proposal to make her cry, Maya tries to add a little humor into the situation. "Look at me, making a mess on your shirt. Be sure to bill me later for that, okay?"

He shakes his head at her and reaches out to lift Maya's chin, bringing her face up towards his own. "That is not necessary between friends. Let's get you back to the hotel."

They walk in silence for some time before Thomas hails a cab. As he gives the driver the name of her hotel, Maya takes a few calming breaths. The whole morning has been one surprise after another and she honestly wasn't sure how many more she could take. But Thomas must've thought that Maya could handle another, as his next words left her shocked.

"I admire you Maya. You did something that many would have been terrified to do, for the one you love. I wish I could have done that, instead I let the one I love marry someone else."

She had a feeling who it was that he was talking about, and Thomas confirmed it with a nod.

"Thomas...I am so sorry." Maya whispers.

And she was. The idea of seeing RIck with someone else hurt her to the core, but Maya couldn't bring herself to even imagine watching him say vows to another woman. That was some next level pain that she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. Looking at Thomas in a whole new light now, Maya found herself wondering how he manages to hold it all together. She then thought back to what he told her the other day and understood.

Though their situations were different, he did give her a good insight on how to cope with not being with Rick. As their cab driver weaved through traffic, Maya thought about everything that happened yesterday and her eyes widened.

I think I should see if Caroline's offer still stands.

"Thomas, instead of going back to my hotel, is it alright if I went to FCI with you today?"