I'll Be Seeing You

Eight.

Saturday was chaotic. Mark and I both overslept, so we ended up rushing around trying to get the house cleaned and organized before heading to the store for a few last-minute things. We'd told everyone to come over around five, but I just knew someone was going to show up early. The pizza and wings were already ordered for delivery, but we still needed to grab chips, dip, and other finger foods to snack on throughout the night.

After a whirlwind trip to Kroger—and what felt like an hour-long detour through the liquor store—we finally made it back home to get ourselves cleaned up. I needed to make sure I had time to pick Kasey up before everyone started showing up. Rene had offered to grab her on the way, but Kasey didn't seem super comfortable with that idea. So I told her to be up and ready by four.

This would be the first time Mark had anyone over since I'd moved in, so we decided to go all out and make it feel like a party. He wasn't much of a drinker, but he knew his friends were, so he planned to let loose and enjoy himself for once. We made it clear to everyone that their keys had to be left in a dish when they arrived—non-negotiable. Mark would stash them somewhere safe until morning.

I'd been looking forward to this night since the second we first talked about it. I needed something like this—something fun and normal and full of laughter. It would be good for Mark too. All his free time lately had been spent with me, and I wanted him to have some time with his friends. And honestly? I was really hoping tonight would give Kasey and Mark the chance to get to know each other better, and for Rene and Kasey to start building a friendship. I needed the people I loved to love each other too. Or at least like each other.

Me: Hey babe, we just got back from the store. I'm going to shower and get ready, then I'll head over to pick you up.
Kasey: Okay, I'm ready when you are. Let me know when you're on the way. I love you.
Me: I love you. I will. Don't forget to pack some clothes for a couple nights. You can stay with me since you're off work—if you want to, of course.
Kasey: Of course I do. Already packed, babe.

Some people might call me crazy, but I was head over heels for this girl. We connected on a level I hadn't even known existed. Now that Rene knew about us, most of the tension between me and Kasey was gone. We still weren't ready to go fully public yet, but I'd been going back and forth about whether to tell Mark.

I wasn't even sure why I'd waited this long. Maybe part of me was scared he'd think I was a terrible person for jumping into a relationship with the ex-girlfriend of someone I'd once considered a close friend. Deep down, I knew Mark would never judge me—he'd always supported my decisions—but this felt... different. I couldn't stand the thought of him thinking less of me.

I took a quick shower, then did my hair and makeup. I usually don't have a reason to get all dressed up, but when I do, I go full glam. I wanted to look my best tonight with everyone coming over. The last time I really got dolled up was for Christmas—and I couldn't even remember the last time before that. Most days you can catch me in scrubs, or a hoodie and sweatpants, looking like I just rolled out of a laundry basket.

As I was heading out the door, Rene texted to let me know she was on her way. That meant she'd probably get to the house around the same time Kasey and I did. When I pulled into the parking lot, I expected to see Kasey already waiting for me outside. But she wasn't. I gave it a minute, then decided to head up and help her carry her stuff. I knocked on the door. No answer.

I knocked again, just in case she hadn't heard me the first time. Then I paused—there was a voice on the other side. She must've been on the phone with someone.

"Hey!" Kasey said as she opened the door. She looked a little surprised to see me standing there.

"You okay?" I asked, tilting my head. "I thought you'd be waiting downstairs."