But this time was different. I was finally at a place where I knew my worth. And I might not be the shiniest coin in the wishing well, but I wasn’t the rustiest one either.
I deserved better than I’d let Chad treat me, and even though it may take me a while to put myself back in the dating game again, I hoped that someday I’d find my better half.
“I’ve definitely had better moments in my life,” I told Cole. “But even though Chad didn’t seem to expect it at all, he didn’t put up too much of a fight when I told him it was over.”
Which was a relief, but also kind of sucked in its own way since it just proved that I didn’t mean all that much to him in the first place. In fact, the only thing he’d really seemed to care about was his pride and how he didn’t like hearing that he was just my practice for the major leagues.
But that was better than nothing, I supposed.
“I’m glad he didn’t make it too hard on you for once,” Cole said. “But that also just goes to show what an idiot he is.”
“I won’t argue with you on that.” I laughed. “Which is why I’m currently using the body scrub you left on my doorstep to wash off that layer of skin you talked about.”
The sharp intake of breath I heard on the other line made me realize belatedly that talking about being in the bath probably wasn’t the kind of conversation you should have with your male best friend.
And without thinking, I said, “I bet you’re glad I didn’t try FaceTiming you, huh?” before I could stop myself.
I covered my mouth with my hand and my whole body flooded with heat as I realized just how bad it sounded.
“I—” Cole cleared his throat, and I knew I had just made things so uncomfortable for him. “I’m glad the body scrub is coming in handy.”
Why did I just say that? I was so awkward sometimes.
“Where did you find it, anyway?” I asked, hoping to get both of our minds off of what I’d just said. “Because I think I’m going to have to stock up on it and share it in my Insta stories.”
“I got it from the Jante Beauty Boutique on Downing Street.”
“Nice,” I said. “I’ll have to tag them.”
“So did Chad suspect that you knew anything about him and Amber?” Cole asked.
“I don’t think so,” I said, so proud of myself for not saying anything about him and Amber. “It’s going to make our plans for Saturday so rewarding. I really can’t wait to see the look on his face when I walk into the housewarming party with you as my arm candy.”
We were going to look so good together. I couldn’t wait to see Chad’s face when he saw that he’d been replaced by someone so much hotter and richer than him.
He’d go nuts.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m looking forward to it as well,” Cole said.
“Think you’ll still be able to pull it off?” I lay back to rinse the body scrub off, keeping my head above the water so I could still hear his response. “You think you can act like you would date me after only ever being friends?”
At least, we’d kept things platonic for all but one stolen moment from a night I never let myself think about.
“Actually,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about everything and I’m a little worried about my ability to make it look believable to Chad that I was successful in wooing you.”
“Wooing me?” I furrowed my brow at the old-fashioned word coming from Cole. “Why would Chad not believe it?”
Chad had always been insecure about my friendship with Cole. Of course he’d believe it now.
“What I mean is,” Cole continued. “I was thinking that since I’m pretty rusty when it comes to dating and need a dating coach for obvious reasons, it might actually be better to go for a trial run before I have lots of eyes on me.”
“You want to go on a practice date?” I asked, the idea of a practice date intriguing me for some reason. “With me?”
“I just want to make sure we give Chad the greatest performance of our lives, without it coming off as awkward or forced.” He seemed to take in a deep breath before adding, “And so, if you aren’t too busy Friday night, I was thinking it might be