M aking love had worked to improve his mood, but left Sylvie more confused than ever. As he said goodbye to catch his flight, she realized she too would be flying in the near future. This thing between them was temporary. She’d made that clear from the get go.

After he left, Sylvie plopped down on the couch and tried to make sense of what they were doing. More importantly, what she was doing. It had been her idea they explore their relationship, and she wondered if that had been a mistake.

Was she setting herself up to exchange one broken heart for another?

She wished she had a crystal ball and could see into the future. She easily imagined herself holding a little baby boy with jet black hair and the same long eyelashes as his dad. Her heart swelled, thinking about building a family with Martin. There would be so much love and laughter.

Or better yet, she wished she could read minds. She’d tap into his thoughts and see if he felt more than he let on. Martin kept his feelings under lock and key. He said the right things to make her feel special and sexy. But nothing to make her feel loved. This knowledge came from years of friendship. He wasn’t the type to carry his heart on his sleeve.

“What am I going to do about him?” No one answered, but her phone rang, startling her. She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello.”

“Hey. We haven’t met yet, but we’re going to change that tonight.” The girl on the line spoke quickly and there was a lot of background noise, making it difficult to hear.

“Excuse me; you must have the wrong number.”

“Weird, I got your number from Caroline Northcote. Your name is Sylvie and you’re living with Martin Thomas, right?”

“Yes, I’m Sylvie. Would you mind turning down the music, I’m having a hard time hearing you. I didn’t catch your name.” She didn’t want to answer her second question. They weren’t living together, not in the technical sense. Her legs bounced, waiting for the mystery caller to reveal their intent.

The music stopped. “For sure; sorry about that. I’m in the car, so you’re on Bluetooth. Anyways, I’m glad I’ve got the right number. I’m Carly Saint, Theo’s girlfriend. We haven’t been properly introduced yet because I’ve been crazy swamped with school lately and I’ve been MIA at all the games. So, I’ve been dying to meet the girl who’s captured Martin’s attention.” A loud horn blared in the background. “Suck it, asshole! Sorry, not you Sylvie. I’m on my way to work and some idiot cut me off. The prick had the nerve to honk and give me the finger. People in this city drive like… it doesn’t matter. Caroline will pick you up and bring you for dinner at the diner where I work.”

She laughed. She’d heard of Carly and that the feisty redhead wasn’t to be argued with. Sylvie looked forward to meeting another strong woman. Anyone who could handle dating an NHL player had to be strong or crazy. The verdict was still out. “You’re funny. What time will she be here?”

“I’ve been called worse. Expect her in an hour. She told me she’d call you when she’s fifteen minutes out. I meant to call you earlier, but I got a last-minute meeting with one of my professors. You know how that goes. Well, I’m really excited to meet you.”

They chatted for another minute before disconnecting. Sylvie looked forward to getting out of the condo and making new friends. She needed girl time. It would also give her a chance to see more of the city. The place and the possibility of staying longer term had grown on her.

She showered and got ready in time for Caroline’s arrival. The blonde looked stunning and her smile was wider than the ocean. Happiness radiated from her pores. They air kissed, on each cheek like old friends before Sylvie settled into the passenger seat.

“The diner has the best pies not that I’m allowed to eat one until after the wedding. Otherwise, I won’t fit in the dress, but I can live vicariously through you. So, what I’m saying is: you have to have pie.”

She laughed. “You don’t have to sell me, I’ll have some. Do you have your dress? How are the wedding plans coming along?” The mention of a wedding no longer sent her into a tailspin.

“Things are progressing at warp speed. The dress was the first thing I got. It’s a trumpet style with the most delicate lace overlay. I… it’s gorgeous and I hope I can pull it off.”

Sylvie pictured Caroline and Nicolas at the altar. They would look perfect together. “With your height and body, that silhouette must look amazing.” Sylvie could never wear something like that with her curves.

Caroline glanced over at her. “Unfortunately, I’m not blessed with a rack like yours. It was a little loose on top, but it’s better now. It’s not what I expected to wear as I always pictured myself in a ball-gown. But they didn’t look right. I hope Nico likes it.”

“I’m sure you’ll blow him away. Are you ready for the big day?”

It surprised her, how easily they talked about the wedding. Listening to Caroline discuss the cake, the reception and all the details didn’t bother her as much as she thought given the time of year. The wedding sounded elegant and beyond romantic. Exactly like something she would have planned.

The long drive out to the country felt like it took only minutes. The truck stop diner had a retro motif which she found cool. They grabbed a table near the counter and were greeted by a blonde waitress who looked pale and under the weather.

“Hi ladies. I’m Miranda. Here are some menus and the specials are on the board. What can I get you to drink?”

“We’ve met before, I’m Caroline and this is Sylvie. We’re friends of Carly’s.”

Miranda slapped her forehead. “Of course, so sorry. I’m not sure where my brain is these days. It’s nice to see you again. How’s the wedding shaping up? A week away, right?”

“Exactly one week. The guys get back pretty much with enough time to make it to the combined bachelor/bachelorette party. The following night is the rehearsal. Then it’s the big day.”

“Don’t be nervous. When Chuck and I got married, I stressed all the small stuff and didn’t enjoy the day as much as I should have. Make sure you watch his eyes tear up as you walk down that aisle. That moment still makes me smile years later.”

“Good tip. Thanks. You have to come to the bachelorette party. The more the merrier and bring your husband. We’re doing a Jack and Jill thing, because Nico already considers us married. He’s pulling the caveman card and I’m totally letting him.”

“What’s this bullshit I hear about a combined party? When I talked to your BFF, Maddy, she wasn’t planning a dual event.” A short, young woman with auburn hair tied in a twist sauntered up to the table.

Caroline got out, and the two hugged. “I’ll tell you all about it when your shift ends.”

“I’m off. The only reason I came in was to cover for Miranda because she’d been down with the flu, but she’s here.” She pointed to her co-worker and smiled.

The blonde waitress blushed. “Sorry about that. I can’t afford to drop any more shifts, but I should have called ya sooner.”

“No worries, it’s cool. Now, I can hang out and eat Chocolate pie. All is forgiven,” Carly said, taking the seat next to her.

Introductions were done. Sylvie liked these women straight away. She could see herself getting close to them if she stayed longer. Something she tried not to think about as the conversation progressed. Caroline talked a lot, and Carly made them all laugh. Miranda might be the sweetest person she’d ever met. Clearly, whatever bug she had hadn’t passed because a few times throughout their meal the woman turned gray. Sylvie hoped she wouldn’t catch that flu because she didn’t want to waste any of her time with Martin.

Once the food was gone and their bellies stuffed, the girls turned the conversation to her. Something she’d been able to avoid for most of the night.

“I can see why Martin’s into you.” Carly’s words caused her heart to skip a beat.

Sylvie clasped her hands. “Why would you say that? We’re just friends.” Friends who’d been playing house for the past few weeks, but no one knew those details.

“According to Theo you’re more than that. You don’t have to lie to us. I can tell by the red in your cheeks he means more to you.”

“I saw you guys together at the bar. If Nico looked at any of his friends the way you two looked at each other, he’d have major problems. Spill. What’s going on with you two?”

“Nothing. He’s my best friend and I love him.” A burden lifted, saying those words out loud. As if they were seeds in spring, setting them free to bloom.

Carly and Caroline exchanged a look, and both laughed. “It’s obvious you’re in love. Are you guys a couple? Theo wasn’t too clear.”

“What did Theo tell you?” Her curiosity was peeked. Maybe talking to these girls would be her version of a crystal ball. “Did Martin tell him something?”

Caroline smiled. “Well, you’ve been added as his date to our wedding and Nico said he saw the two of you kissing. That sounds a little more than friendly.”

“We’re not a couple.” Explaining her relationship was tough. They were lovers, they were friends, but they weren’t together.

“I don’t know if he sees it that way. Theo gave me the impression you two were an item. I’m sorry if I got a mixed message.”

“You’re not the only one with mixed signals.” Sylvie took a sip of her water as the women looked at her with sympathy in their eyes. “We’re both kind of broken and helping each other cope. He told me sex would complicate things, and he was right. I don’t really know what we are to each other these days. He’ll always be my best friend, but we’re lovers too. The last part will end when I leave on the fifteenth.”

“Why not stay and see where it goes?” Carly asked, licking the last remnants of chocolate from the plate.

How could she explain it to others when she had a hard time wrapping her own brain around things?

She sighed and tried to find the right words. “I booked that flight on purpose because I didn’t want this to be more than a fling. I never wanted to be in love again. He only agreed to explore a sexual relationship because we have an end date. He doesn’t want a distraction, which I would become if we were in a real relationship. Especially with the playoffs coming up, he needs to focus on hockey. It’s better if I leave.”

“Better for whom?” Both women asked in unison.

“Me. Him. I’m not sure anymore. I’ve mentioned my departure a couple of times. He hasn’t asked me to leave or to stay.” She wrung her hands under the table. “Don’t say anything to either of your guys about all this. Please keep it between us.”

They both nodded. “Would you stay? Like if he asked you. Is that something you’d do?” Caroline asked.

The question had been floating around her mind for a while and she knew the answer. “Yes. I can work from anywhere as long as there is internet. If he asked me, I’d say yes.”

“Why don’t you think he will?”

“You’ve both met him. He doesn’t do relationships. I have this week to convince him to take a chance. But I won’t push him into something he doesn’t want. Can we talk about something else? Oh, I’ve been working on the website for the missing teens.”

Caroline reached over the table and patted her arm. “One last piece of advice before we switch topics. Don’t keep your feelings a secret. I almost lost Nico because of secrets. Give him all the facts so he can make the right decision for both of you.”

She had a lot to think about, but they were right. It would be best to tell him how she felt and if he still only wanted to be friends, she’d live with his decision. It would hurt like being burned in the eye with a hot poker, but she’d go home.

When she got home and checked her phone, she noticed a voicemail from her mother. Apparently, Renny had called there a few times. Her mother didn’t offer more information other than he was trying to reach her and that it was important. Everything was important to him. She decided not to call back. She didn’t want to learn what his motives for calling might have been because they didn’t matter.

There was also a text from Martin asking how dinner had gone. She dialed his number, and he picked up on the second ring.

“Hello, ma belle.” His voice wrapped around her like a hug.

“Hi. It’s not too late is it? With the time change and all.”

He chuckled as she dove under the covers. “It’s all good. So, did the girls grill you about us?”

She laughed because it was true. “How did you know?”

“Nosey bunch. What did you tell them?”

“What would you like me to have said?” She exhaled slowly, listening for the words she wanted to hear.

“I don’t know; to mind their own business.” Missing in that sentence were the words, dating or anything resembling a relationship or a hint as to his feelings.

“They asked me what we were to each other, and I told them we were friends. They got the impression we were more. What did you tell the guys?” Maybe he’d reveal something. She crossed her fingers and waited.

“Friends… right. I said the same thing and told them my bedroom is none of their business.”

They were talking in circles. “My ticket home is still for the fifteenth. Should I change it? I mean I could… It’s not like my work can’t be done from here.” She willed him to say yes; to tell her he wanted her to stay longer.

“That’s coming up fast. I’ve got two back to back away games. That only leaves us a couple of days together before you go.” He didn’t answer her question.

Her heartbeats thundered through her ears. “The last two weeks flew by. When I booked that date, it made sense. Enough time for… but things changed. Plans change all the time. Um, do you think I should keep that date?”

He got quiet, and all she heard was his breathing. “I think you should fly to Pittsburg tomorrow and come see us play. Once you figure out your next steps, you’ll be too busy sorting shit out to travel. So, what do you say?”

“You want to fly me out to your games?” She didn’t expect an invitation, but her heart flipped at spending more time with him.

“Yeah, this way we can make the most of your last week of holidays. You wanted an adventure, well I’m offering it. Hit the road with me.” He hadn’t asked her to stay, but he'd asked her to follow him.

There was no reason not to go and every reason to do it. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”