Two weeks later
******
Jen and I were out shopping...the first time since they got back from the honeymoon. I really missed her, but I'm not gonna have a hissy fit if I don't see her as much. Steve and I were the same way.
We went to lunch at the same restaurant as before, and still the admiring looks from the men. And why would anyone care if she's married? Nobody has standards anymore, except...you know, why me? ME! That's just messed up!
"Chelsea? Who are you shaking your head at and why?" Jen took my hand, looked around then back at me, distressed. "I should've said something, but I'm worried about you. When I call, you're distant. I text, you're busy. You seem so..." she was struggling to find a word, "lost. What is it?"
I shook my head and smiled, "There's nothing wrong at all! I'm sorry if I scared you!" I squeezed her hand. "Thanks for worrying about me though!" I took a bite of my salad to prevent talking. Let it go Jen. Unfortunately, when you're best friends for over 20 years, she knows when I'm lying. Stop staring at me Jen!
"Ok Chelsea, I know what might might make you feel better." She smiled shyly, hopefully.
I was not liking this, but I had no choice but to listen. Sighing in impatience, I said, "Go ahead."
She bit her finger, and asked, "Go out with Brian?"
I stared at her thinking I might as well. Maybe the third time's the charm! I threw my arms in the air, giving in. "Give him my number."
******
4 days later--DATE NIGHT
"What are you gonna wear tonight?" Jen asked excitedly over the phone. I think she was looking forward to this date more than me!
Standing in my walk-in closet, with the phone cradled between my shoulder and ear, I looked through the rack of clothes...again...not knowing what to choose. I pulled out 2 dresses and lay them on my bed. "Well, I have it narrowed down to the red or the green dress. I really can't decide, so you call it."
"Oh Chels, the green! You look gorgeous in that dress! And your black heels, and, of course gold jewelry necklace, earrings, bracelet. Oh take a picture when you're done and send it! When is he picking you up?"
I looked at my wall clock and I panicked, "Shit Jen, in 40 minutes. I'll call you when I get home."
"Hehehe, or after he makes you breakfast!"
"You're a pig, Jen!" I laughed. "I'll call you when I get home."
******
I took my picture as promised and sent it to Jen. She texted back immediately:
Yeah, I'll talk to you tomorrow morning...or afternoon!
I rolled my eyes. You're a pig Jen!
The doorbell rang and I was ready to go. I opened the door and was immediately disappointed. There stood Brian in a frickin tshirt and black jeans. A tshirt!!!
He was all smiles. "Wow Chelsea! You look hot!"
I just feign a headache and stay home. "Yeah, thanks. Maybe I should change. Apparently I'm a little overdressed for dinner. Come in, I won't take long." As I turned, he took my arm and said, "No your not! Really! Let's go!" He still had my arm in a possessive nature and I politely pulled away and smiled. "Ok then, let's go."
