The Girl He Took for Granted

My parents texted, telling me to come home for the holidays to attend my childhood friend Evan Williams' engagement party.

I looked at Evan lying on my bed and texted back with a smile, Okay.

Seeing my smile, Evan asked, What's so funny? Got another guy ?

I ran my hand over his chest, pushing him back under the covers, joking, "Heard you're getting engaged. It wouldn't be to me, would it? You don't have any other women around. If it is me, you'd better give me a heads-up so I can check my schedule."

Evan snorted, a dismissive sound.

For some reason, a pang of panic hit me. My voice tightened.

"What was that 'hmph' for?"

"Just scoffing at you joking around again. We grew up together, Charlie. We were each other's firsts. Now we're convenient. How could people like us ever get married?"

He raised an eyebrow at me. "You feel the same, right? Marrying you would be so damn awkward."

I stared at him, stunned.

I always thought we slept together because we liked each other.

Turns out, in his eyes, I was just a friend he slept with. Convenient.

"You're right," I said.

My stubborn pride wouldn't let me beg. All I could do was act casual and probe.

So, you're really getting engaged? Who is it?

My voice trembled slightly. To hide it, I started pulling on my clothes, pretending I was in a rush.

Evan chuckled.

"Why the hurry to get dressed? Rosie and I aren't engaged yet.

You're not the mistress. Don't worry about getting caught."

Rosie?

I remembered her. The campus beauty in college.

Countless guys had crushes on her, Evan included.

I looked at Evan. How could this guy make love with me while cozying up to Rosie?

Evan saw me frozen.

"Cat got your tongue? You're not actually into me, are you? Come on, Charlie, you know we'd clash. We're better as friends."

He walked closer. Friends last. Lovers break up.

I frowned. "So you and Rosie that's meant to last?"

Evan coughed. "That's different."

He pointed at our bed. "Look. We've shared this bed for years. I

know your body better than my own. Where's the excitement in that forever?"

Evan lit a cigarette, squinting through the smoke.

"This trip home is a good break. Let's go back to being just friends. Childhood buddies. No more this. Okay?"

I almost laughed. I thought we were in a relationship.

All this time, I was just the friend he could sleep with.

I finished dressing, checked my phone. "It's getting late. I'm heading out."

On the drive home, memories flooded me. Hanging out, drinking together.

That night I wanted to see the ocean, and he drove me at 3 AM to watch the sunrise.

All our friends thought we were the perfect couple. We never confirmed it, but we never denied it either.

When people cheered, we'd even kiss C passionate, real kisses.

Was it all just in my head?

From that day until the holidays, I was a mess. The night before Evan's engagement party, I didn't sleep at all.

Mom took one look at me and gasped.

"Sweetheart! What happened? Bad breakup? I didn't even know you were dating!"

I deflected awkwardly. "Just getting old, Mom. Bags under the eyes are normal now."

Mom swatted my arm. "Watch it. And those aren't just circles. Go put on some makeup. Don't embarrass Evan!"

Evan was always the quiet, gentle one. I was the tomboy. People joked we were born in the wrong bodies.

"I heard Evan's fiance, Rosie, is super sweet. The total opposite of you. Try to make her feel welcome later," Mom added.

I got it. She wanted me to be the life of the party.

To break the ice at the engagement party for the only man I'd ever loved.

How ironic.

Seeing my face, my mom hesitated. You know you don't have to go.

I smiled. No.

I'd never backed down from anything. And I was too proud.

If I didn't show up, it would mean I lost. Lost to him, to her, to this whole situation.

I couldn't lose.

I'm fine.

After getting ready, I arrived at Evan's engagement venue. It looked like a princess castle exploded pink roses everywhere.

Evan's parents stood beaming at the entrance.

"Oh, Charlie! Haven't seen you in a year! You look wonderful!"

"Look at all this! Evan did most of the roses himself, you know? We've never seen him so devoted. He must really be in love!!"

They chatted away. All I saw was the single pink rose Evan gave me the Valentine's Day after high school graduation.

"Charlie, know how much this cost? Fifty-two bucks! For one! Well, it's yours. Doubt anyone else got you one. No clue why they're so pricey, but someday, when I find someone I really love, I'm gonna shower her in pink roses."

Looking at this sea of pink, I sighed.

You kept your word, Evan Williams.

You made it rain pink roses for the girl you love.

Too bad it wasn't me.

Our voices must have carried because Evan hurried over.

Seeing him run, my heart stupidly clenched.

"Charlie!" Give me your necklace."

He reached for my neck, his fingers brushing my skin, oblivious to how close he was.

That's what happens when you've been intimate.

Evan's dad quickly pulled him back. "Evan! What are you doing? Behave yourself!"

Evan pointed at my neck. "Charlie, the necklace. The one Mom gave you when we were kids."

That necklace. Evan's mom gave it to me, . Our childhood promise.

Evan had come for me. To sever that last tie.

"Hurry up. Don't let Rosie see. I don't want her upset."

A vivid image flashed: countless nights, tangled in sheets after sex, Evan kissing the necklace resting on my chest.

I didn't speak. Evan's dad frowned deeply. "What kind of talk is that? Forgetting your friends for your fiance?"

His family was decent. I wasn't petty. I unclasped the necklace and handed it to him with a tight smile.

"It's fine. It's Evan's big day. Let him have what he wants."

As the distance closed between us, he whispered in my ear, "Charlie, today is really important to me. Be careful. Don't scare Rosie. Don't upset her."

He worried about her feelings. Didn't care about mine?

A cold laugh echoed silently in my head.

Okay.

Fine.

"Okay."