Something.
That one word told me everything. Liz hadn’t thought about our “something.” Not really. Meanwhile, I’d spent hours, days, years, spinning scenarios where we ended up together. None of them realistic.
So I sent the text that might have just altered my entire adult life.
Ben: Now I block you. My something crazy is letting you go. Your something crazy is calling Matt. Go out with him this weekend. Let your guard down. Open your heart. Give it a chance. If it goes somewhere, be happy — and remember me only occasionally. If it doesn’t, try again. But never give up. Prove for us both that love exists. Goodbye, babe.
And then I did it.
Ten hours and fifteen minutes ago, I blocked Liz on every device. I actually forgot Skype, and when her call popped up eight hours ago, it nearly broke me. She’s blocked there now too.
So we’re back to my original question: have you ever lied to someone because you thought it was best for them? I have.
Now I have to imagine her happy. I have to picture her calling Matt, going on an amazing first date, falling into some suburban happily-ever-after. Liz deserves that. She deserves the house, the dog, the 2.5 kids. She deserves everything.
As for me? I remind myself I’m a die-hard bachelor. I was the walk-of-shame champ back in the day. I might’ve lost my touch lately, but hey — now’s the time to get it back. Prove I’ve still got game.
That is, once my broken heart heals.
Chapter 15
Liz, February 28
Liz: And that was that.
Ben: What did you do?
Liz: What I do best. I ran.
Ben: Literally?
Liz: Yes. I ran home.
Ben: Have you talked to him this morning?
Liz: No. I’m talking to you. As my best friend I felt like you would have advice.
Ben: Plus, I’m a guy.
Liz: True.
I had sent Ben a text first thing this morning and relayed the entire Matt saga. Part of me didn’t feel comfortable telling Ben, but I have no one else. Ben is safe. Five thousand miles is plenty of distance, and Ben knows me well enough to be impartial.
Ben: You want my opinion?
Liz: Always
Ben: As a friend?
Is there another option?
Liz: What else? Yes. As a friend.
Ben: The kid from England you’re always going on about is a distraction. I’d advise you to dump his ass.
What? Did he mean himself?
Liz: Is that supposed to be a joke? It’s not funny.