In a different life

Chapter 2: Talk about dating

Coffee was my best friend the next morning. I slept like crap, being incredibly sad and confused. If I was being completely honest, I wasn't surprised, it was only the next logical step for them to be engaged to be married.

Worst of all, Evelyn had talked to me too and wanted us to grab a coffee together. She was one of my best friends and I loved her dearly but I dreaded what she would talk about.

I was running down the steps of the Tube station and hop into the Tube train just in time as the doors closed. I got off at Covent Garden and walked to our favourite café right opposite Apple Market.

Evelyn and Christie were already there when I arrived. Evelyn's long brown hair was in soft waves. She rarely wore makeup but she was always beautiful. I didn't know how she did it, because I looked like crap.

"Hey" I breathed out as I reached their table "Sorry I'm late"

Christie glanced up at me and gave me an understanding look.

"It's okay" Evelyn smiled "Are you okay?" she seemed worried "You look – like you barely slept"

I nodded as I sat down on the stool next to her "Yeah"

I'm in love with your fiancé.

"My date went pretty bad last night" I offered as an explanation.

"You said as much last night" Christie dead-panned.

I was glad she didn't call me out on my lie. Well, it wasn't a particular lie, but that hadn't been the reason why I had barely slept.

"Oh, I'm sorry honey" Evelyn said understandingly.

I shook my head "I don't want to talk about it. So –" I forced a smile "You're engaged?"

Her smile widened and my heart jumped. I couldn't really blame her for being happy with him.

"I am" she looked at her ring "I totally didn't expect him to ask me"

I followed her eyes and saw the delicate ring with a diamond in it on her ring finger.

I smiled lightly "He adores you"

Evelyn's face was what I pictured happiness looked like "I'm happy for you"

"Who would have thought that, eh?" Christie laughed "We have all been besties for years"

"Yeah" I sighed

"Would you two want to be my maids of honour?" Evelyn asked, her eyes glistening.

I had expected that question and I would be there for her through everything.

"I'd love to" Christie smiled "At least your love life is successful" she laughed.

I smiled "Well I'd be honoured too"

We talked some more before I realised I had to run.

"Sorry, I have to work today" I whined.

Evelyn just shook her head "No worries, I'm glad we got to talk and I can't wait for the wedding"

My smile faltered as I walked away from them. How would I survive being her bridesmaid while being in love with the groom?

The rest of the day passed in a haze as I sat at my desk. I worked in Purchasing and the job was as boring as you could imagine it to be. I bolted from the office as soon as the clock stroked five.

My phone vibrated in my purse just as I headed towards the Tube station entrance. I moved to the side so the commuters could pass me. Nothing worse than stopping in the middle of the street in London.

It was Taron.

I gulped before answering "Hello?"

"Hi, it's me" he said and I smiled "I was wondering if you would want to hang out tonight?"

I was taken aback by his question "Is Evelyn not home?"

My brows were as furrowed as it got.

"She has to work tonight" he said nonchalantly.

I had forgotten she was working in the film industry just like Taron. That meant working late hours and also on weekends.

"Uhm sure" I hesitated

"Great" Taron sounded excited "I'll bring food"

"O – okay" Why was I starting to stutter now?

"See you later"

I practically ran home to clean my flat. It looked like a mess. Taron and I had hung out before, but the last few times had been difficult for me to handle, to say the least. The doorbell rang before I was even ready cleaning up.

Shit.

I unlocked the front door to let him in and ran my hands through my messy bob.

"What happened to you?" he chuckled when he saw me.

I tried to laugh it off "My flat was a mess so I cleaned up until now"

Taron laughed "You don't have to do that. It's just me. I've seen your flat in a mess before"

If only you knew.

"Well you're right about that one" I smiled and shut the door behind him.

We sat down and dug in the pizza Taron had brought and chatted just like old times. I almost forgot about my crush on him. Almost.

"Evelyn told me your date didn't go well?" he said in between bites.

I nearly choked "Yeah, he was an idiot"

Taron chuckled "I'm sure online dating might not be the best way to find someone"

Where was I supposed to find someone then?

"It's not like I can just date one of my friends" I said before I could stop myself.

"Where are you signed up anyway?" he chuckled.

I started blushing and let out a breath "Tinder"

His eyebrows shot up to his hairline "Tinder?"

I groaned and buried my face in my hands "I knowww. It might not have been the best idea"

Talk about creating an account of pure desperation.

"I really don't want to see you get –" he paused "Those must be loonies"

I laughed "I can take care of myself"

"Why did you sign up to that anyway?" he asked out of nowhere and my heart jumped.

"Let's just change topics please" I laughed nervously.

"Sorry" Taron said quickly "I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable"

"It's okay" I smiled lightly.

We stared at each other for a second, his green eyes so incredibly intense. If only I found a guy like him on Tinder.