The Arrangement

9

Maya sat across from Andy at their favorite little café, a place they often retreated to for good coffee and honest conversation. It was a cozy spot, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where they could talk without fear of being overheard. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow through the windows as the two friends settled into their seats.

Andy took a sip of her coffee and looked at Maya expectantly. "You sounded pretty stressed on the phone. What's going on?"

Maya hesitated for a moment, staring down at her own cup. She had been holding onto her feelings, unsure of how to process them or even put them into words. But if there was anyone she could talk to, it was Andy.

"I walked in on Carina and Lucas kissing on the rooftop," Maya finally blurted out, her voice tinged with frustration and confusion. She felt a weight lift slightly just by saying it out loud, but the emotions still swirled within her.

Andy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Whoa, really? That must have been...awkward."

Maya let out a bitter laugh. "That's putting it mildly. I mean, I knew they were still seeing each other, but seeing it... it just hit different, you know?"

Andy nodded, leaning forward with a sympathetic look. "Yeah, I can imagine. Did you say anything to them?"

"No," Maya admitted, shaking her head. "I just walked away. I didn't want to make a scene, especially not with everything going on. But it...it hurt, Andy. And it shouldn't, right? This is supposed to be a business arrangement. I shouldn't care who she kisses."

Andy watched Maya carefully, her expression thoughtful. "But you do care, don't you?"

Maya sighed, feeling the truth of those words settle heavily on her shoulders. "Yeah, I guess I do. And I don't know why. I mean, we've barely scratched the surface of this whole marriage thing. It's not like we're in love or anything."

Andy took another sip of her coffee, considering her words carefully. "Maybe it's not about love, though. Maybe it's about the fact that you're trying to build something with her, even if it's unconventional. And seeing her with Lucas... it feels like a betrayal, even if technically it's not."

Maya nodded slowly, feeling the tension in her chest ease just a little. "Yeah, maybe. It's just... complicated. I'm not used to feeling this way. I'm used to controlling things, to knowing where I stand. And with Carina, everything feels so uncertain."

Andy smiled gently. "Relationships, even the unconventional ones, are rarely straightforward. You're allowed to feel conflicted. And honestly, it's a good sign that you care. It means you're invested, at least on some level."

Maya ran a hand through her hair, feeling the weight of her own emotions. "I just don't know what to do. Part of me wants to confront her, to ask her what's really going on with Lucas. But another part of me feels like I don't have the right to, not when this whole thing started as a business deal."

Andy reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Maya's arm. "You have every right to ask her about it. You're in this together, and you deserve clarity. Whether it's just for the sake of the arrangement or for your own peace of mind, it's important to communicate."

Maya nodded, taking comfort in Andy's words. "You're right. I need to talk to her. Maybe it'll help us figure out where we stand and what we want from all of this."

Andy gave her a supportive smile. "Exactly. And remember, no matter what happens, you've got people who care about you and will support you."

Maya smiled back, feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Andy. I needed this."