Impractical Jokers, Practically

Chapter Eight

Sal invited Madison to come over? But mere hours ago he was telling me that him and I were more than friends. What, just because I forgot about the events of last night for five seconds, he's already moved on? I don't understand.

I sink myself down on the couch and watch silently as Madison makes small talk with the guys. She seems nice enough and the guys seem to like her. Even so, I feel sick. What if the guys like her more than they like me? What if they want to replace me? Will Madison be the new joker? The new best friend? Sal's girlfriend? Oh stop overthinking, I think to myself. I shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Be that as it may, one thing's for sure. Sal hurt me badly. If he thinks that he can confess his feelings for me and then the next day invite another girl over and I would be okay with it, he's wrong. How could he do this to me? 

Actually, he was talking to Madison even before he told me he liked me. So, maybe this was all a joke? Did he ever even like me? Maybe Sal realized that he likes Madison better. Maybe he needs someone he can trust. Someone that won't forget important things the morning after drinking...

I pulled out of my thoughts as I noticed five pair of eyes on me. The boys and Madison were staring at me, as if they were waiting for me to answer. This is bad, I think to myself. I was quiet for so long that even Sal noticed. 

I lick my lips and say, "What--What was the question?" 

"I wanted to know if you wanted to hang out today? Maybe we could go shopping together or go get some lunch? So we could get to know each other." Madison says with a hopeful look.

Madison wants to hang out? Alone? Is this the part where she tells me that Sal is hers and I have to stay away from him? 

"Uh, I don't know. Um..." I look around the room trying to decide what to do. If I should say okay why not or politely decline. 

Murr nudges me and goes, "You should go. You definitely could use some girl time. It must be hard being around us guys all the time." He winks. 

Joe and Q nodded their heads in agreement. Sal stayed silent. 

What if I say no, I'll seem like a bitch. Besides, I'm not ready to face Sal just yet. I'm too frustrated and sad. And angry at him. I swallow and say, "Sure. Let me go get ready. I'll be fast."

I got off the couch and quickly go upstairs to get ready. I change my clothes, do my hair and makeup, spray some perfume, and I'm ready to go. My hands are shaking, I'm so nervous, but I take a couple of deep breaths as I walk back downstairs. Stay calm, I tell myself. 

Madison smiles at me and says, "Ready to go?" 

I nod my head. 

Q says to me, "I'm surprised you're going. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you are, but you usually don't hang out with other people besides us. I thought you were going to say no, to be honest."

I think about what Q said for a second before having an idea. Looking right at Sal, I say, "Well, it beats hanging out here. Madison, you coming?" and then I walk out the door.

~~~

I can't believe I said that to him. And the look on his face? Forget it. He's the one who hurt me, remember? Ugh, I can't believe I'm arguing with myself. 

Madison and I are sitting across from each other at a cafe. We're both holding our coffee mugs in our hands, waiting for them to cool. 

She starts talking first. "Look, I know we don't know each other. But you seem to be upset about something. You could talk to me, um, that is if you want."