I Moved On, Right?

Boundaries of the Heart

Vera is a great psychologist. She prefers to be alone , doesn't have many close friends but has a best friend Pearl who is also a psychologist and her roommate.

VERA'S POV:
I had an appointment with a patient at an office. After the councelling was over Pearl called me for lunch I was excited..we were discussing about food... when suddenly someone said "Hey Vera"...it was Max, my colleague...."where are you going? Let's have lunch together"............ "Hi Max, well I'm going for lunch with Pearl; why don't you also join." I replied.

Pearl was waiting at the entrance. Pearl waved as soon as she spotted me walking towards her, her usual warm smile lighting up her face. "You're late," she teased, crossing her arms playfully.

I chuckled. "Blame Max. He decided to crash our lunch plans," I said, gesturing behind me as Max approached.

"Hey, Pearl," he greeted her. "Hope you don't mind me tagging along."

Pearl raised an eyebrow but shrugged, her smile still intact. "The more, the merrier, I guess. But you're paying for dessert."

Max laughed. "Fair enough."

The three of us walked to a quaint little café nearby, the kind Pearl and I frequented when we had time between appointments. The soft hum of chatter and the clinking of cutlery created a cozy ambiance as we settled into a corner booth.

As we looked over the menu, Max broke the silence. "So, how long have you two known each other?"

Pearl glanced at me, and I could see the hint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, Vera and I go way back. She was the quiet one in college. It's a miracle she even talked to me. We were eachother's first benchmates "

I rolled my eyes. "And Pearl was the social butterfly who made it her mission to drag me out of my shell."

Max leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "And look at you now, a renowned psychologist. Guess Pearl's plan worked."

"Somewhat," I replied with a small smile, though I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious under his gaze.

Pearl, ever the observant one, smirked. "So, Max, tell me, how's Vera as a colleague? Be honest-she can take it."

Max pretended to think for a moment before grinning. "She's brilliant, as expected. But she's also a little intimidating-no nonsense, all about work."

Pearl laughed. "That sounds like her."

Max leaned back, his grin unwavering. "But I think there's a hidden soft side to Vera. Maybe it just takes the right person to bring it out."

I narrowed my eyes at him, a mixture of amusement and skepticism. "And you think you're that person?"

Max shrugged, feigning innocence. "Hey, who knows? I've been known to have that effect on people."

Pearl snickered, clearly enjoying the banter. "Well, Max, good luck with that. Vera's as stubborn as they come. Trust me, I've tried for years."

After lunch, Max insisted on walking us back to Pearl's car. As we strolled down the street, he fell into step beside me.

"You know, Vera, I don't get why you keep everyone at arm's length," he said, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.

I glanced at him, my brow furrowing. "I don't keep everyone at arm's length. I just... prioritize my space."

Pearl, who was walking a few steps ahead, turned her head slightly, smirking but wisely staying out of the conversation.

"Prioritizing space is one thing, but pushing people away is another," Max replied. His words were light, but his gaze was serious.

"I'm not pushing anyone away," I said defensively.

Max raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. Instead, he smiled. "If you say so. But for the record, I think you're pretty interesting-more than you let on."

I didn't reply. Compliments from guys made me uncomfortable, especially when they came with a subtext I wasn't ready to confront.

I just said- "Max I don't know what your intentions are but let me clearly tell you one thing; I'm not looking for anyone, so if you are interested in me or thinking of trying on me... DON'T.....and if not it's good."

---

Later that evening, Pearl and I were lounging in our shared apartment. She was sprawled on the couch, flipping through a magazine, while I sat by the window, sipping tea and trying to focus on a book.

"So," Pearl began, not looking up, "what do you think of Max?"

I frowned. "What about him?"

"You know," she said, dragging out the words, "he's nice. Charming. Clearly interested in you."

I stiffened. "He's not interested in me. He's just... friendly."

Pearl snorted. "Friendly? Vera, the man practically had heart eyes during lunch. You might be great at analyzing patients, but when it comes to yourself? You're clueless."

I put my book down and gave her a pointed look. "Even if he were interested-I'm not. I don't have time for distractions."

Pearl sat up, her expression softening. "Vera, not everyone's going to hurt you like... before."

Her words struck a nerve, and I looked away. "I'm not ready for anything like that, Pearl. My work is enough."

Pearl sighed but didn't press further. She knew better than to push me when I put up my walls.