Esme's POV

  I just stood there for a few moments in silence. Finally I mumbled, "I need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

  I ran to the bathroom. I wanted to text Olivia and see what she would make of all of this. When I got there and took out my phone, I saw I had three missed texts from Olivia and one phone call. I felt terrible. When all this was going on with Tyler, I missed when Olivia was trying to contact me. I read the messages.

OLIVIA

Hey. Do you want to watch the show together? Then we can have a long talk after.

OLIVIA

Yeah, you probably want to avoid me right now, I understand, but at least respond to my text.

OLIVIA

I guess you don't want to bother responding or coming. Oh well, whatever. I guess we will talk tomorrow?

  I looked at the messages in dismay. I didn't check the phone message from her. I figured it was probably some of the same. Oh no, now she was probably even more upset with me. I hoped it was not too late to text her. I tried to text her again. I said:

ESME

I'm so sorry. I did not hear the phone ding to notify me of the texts. I just saw it now. Is it too late to watch the show and come home and talk? Again, I apologize and please let me know, ok?

  I sent the message and waited in the bathroom a few minutes for a response. I didn't get one. I wasn't sure what to do. What did the no response mean? Was she annoyed and not responding? Was she sleeping? Was she thinking of what to say to me, I thought. I debated whether I should return home. When I walked out, I saw Tyler was still where I left him. He looked at me like he was concerned.

  "Are you ok, Esme?" he said. "You look kind of pale."

  "Uh, yes. I was just worried about Olivia," I responded.

  "Is she ok?"

  "She tried to contact me and I didn't respond. I just did now but didn't hear from her."

  "Probably she went to sleep early, since she isn't feeling well?" he asked.

  "Maybe. I just didn't want her to think I wasn't concerned about her. I am debating whether to go home."

  "Well that's up to you, I enjoyed talking to you and would like to do more of that, but I'd understand if you need to go." he said.

  I thought about that for a few moments. I was so hungry and I knew we had nothing at home. And Olivia would know what happened if she checked her text. Maybe I'd just get a quick bite to eat and then head home.

  "I can stay a little bit longer, unless Olivia texts me back soon." I said.

  "Great. Are you hungry? There's one of those high-top seats open. Do you want to sit there and we can order something?"

  "Yes, that would be great."

  We went over to the table and checked out the menu. A few moments later a waitress came and took our order. I decided we should order some appetizers because they'd be quick to prepare and eat in case Olivia got back to me soon. We got mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers. We also ordered some drinks.

  "You said that you were no longer friends with Colin anymore," I stated.

  "Yes, that's correct," he said.

  "How did that happen, if you don't mind me asking?"

  "Well after I found out what he did to you, I was angry. Plus the old feelings of how he got you when I was interested in you, came back. I also got to know you a little bit over the time Colin and you were together and I realized that it was more than a crush, but I was actually starting to fall for you for real. I pushed those feelings aside because I knew Colin and you were together and I wanted my friend to be happy. I knew I no longer had to do that when I found out he cheated on you." he said. He paused for a moment and fidgeted with his napkin.

  "Please continue," I asked gently.

  "We really had it out with each other. I told him he was an asshole for doing that for you and how could he do that to such a great woman. I explained if I was with you, I would never treat you like that. I said that he didn't deserve you and that you should have been with me all along. He snapped at me and said, 'What, you been coveting my fiancée?' I told him that she was now his ex-girlfriend and that she was the one I wanted to meet all those months ago at the bar, when we met you for the first time. He said that he had no idea that I was interested in you, and if he did, he wouldn't have made a move. I said that I understood that and I didn't blame him for that. I accepted that you chose him and if he made you happy and you were happy with him, I wasn't going to ruin that for him. But I told him that since he blew it, I wanted my chance with you." He blushed here and paused again.

  "Sorry. I just feel awkward telling you about all this," he said.

  "If you don't feel comfortable, I'd understand if you want to stop the story," I said.

  "No, no. It's ok. He said that I was a terrible friend to go after his ex-fiancée after they had just broken up. I laughed at him and asked him if he thought he was for real. I stated that you guys were no longer together, so what did that matter and he was the one that messed the relationship up. He admitted that he did mess up and felt bad about it and was hoping to work out things, so you and he would get back together."

  "Right. He tried to make it up to me by apologizing and treating me to a nice vacation and expensive jewelry, as if all that could make up for what he did to me. He also said that he was drunk and wasn't thinking clearly. What he didn't know what that Olivia found that was not the first time he cheated on me. However, the trust was already broken, so even if I didn't know that, I wouldn't have gotten back together with him." I said.

  "I told him he was foolish for trying and that you'd never take him back. He was angry that I was not being a supportive friend during this hard time and that I was a snake for trying to make a move on his ex-fiancée after this difficult time they been having. I was really angry now and said that he better be quiet before I did something I may regret later. He said that he didn't have to and that you wouldn't want me anyhow. After all, he said that I was a weak man because I saw you and didn't make a move on you. I said that I was going to but he swooped in before I even got a chance. He said that is what happens when you act like a wimp and chicken out. I was really furious now. I explained that I should leave before I do something I would regret. I did leave that night. We didn't talk for a few weeks. One day out of the clear blue he called me. I didn't want to talk to him. He said that he knew I was right and that you wouldn't forgive him but he was too stubborn to realize it at the time. I told him that I was still angry at what he said about me. Did he really think I was a wimp and weak? He said that he was just upset that I wanted to make a move on his ex and that was just not right. I then said, what if I told you that I was still interested in her and wanted to make a move on her. He said that I thought that you realized that it was wrong to go after her. I then replied by saying that why would it be wrong if he messed up with you. I said that you deserved to be with a guy who would treat her right. Then he was angry again because he said that I was implying that he was a bad guy that didn't deserve a woman like you. I explained to him that I didn't think he was necessarily bad but he couldn't expect to have a woman like you if he didn't treat you right. He said that it was just some misunderstanding between you two and it wasn't like that. He said that he still had feelings for you and it would be awkward for him to have to see you and me together, if we became a couple. He then made an ultimatum that it was either you or him. He also stated that I didn't even know you and I was taking a gamble on an unknown relationship than on remaining in a relationship with a good friend. I told him I made my decision. I didn't want to remain friends with him anymore because a good friend wouldn't put me down and wouldn't give me an ultimatum. He said I was foolish and wouldn't end up with you anyhow, probably because I would chicken out or something. I hung up the phone on him and never spoke to him again after that."

  "Wow," I said, taking all that in. "Sorry, I am trying to absorb all this." After I said that, our food came. We just ate and were silent during that time. I quickly checked my phone to see if Olivia texted me, but she didn't.

  Kyle walked by and stopped at our table. "How are things going with you two? Did you hear from Olivia?" he said.

  "To be honest, I told Esme about everything," he said.

  "Oh. I see," Kyle said.

  "By the way Kyle, I didn't hear from Olivia," I said. "I'm sorry. She probably went to sleep early."

  "Yeah you are probably right. I didn't mean to interrupt you guys. I am glad you guys are talking and hanging out," Kyle said.

  "Thanks," I said.

  "Thank you, man," Tyler said. Kyle left and found some of his other coworkers and had a seat with them. To me he said, "I hope you didn't mind that I brought up to him that I told you everything."

  I didn't answer right away, so he continued, "You remember that I worked with Colin. That's how we both met. After we were no longer friends, I couldn't work with him anymore. I remembered that you mentioned that you liked working at the agency that I am at now and Olivia still seemed to like it. So, when a job opening came up, I jumped at the chance to submit a resume for the position. I was fortunate to get the interview and later the position. Kyle was the first person I met there, even though I knew Olivia, but felt strange approaching her because she knew I was friends with Colin. He was so friendly and welcoming and not long after we became friends and I consider him now one of my closest friends. He was really there for me after everything that went down with Colin, so I felt that I could be honest with him and tell him what happened. I'm glad I did, because it made our friendship stronger."

  "I'm glad too that you became friends. I'm confused though why you never told me what you thought about me, at least after Colin and you were no longer friends. I didn't even know that you guys were no longer friends." I said.

  "I know. I'm sorry about that. I spoke to Kyle about it and he told me I should approach you. He didn't have your number, so he would need to get it from Olivia and he asked her for it. She had said that she didn't think it was a good idea to go out with someone that's friends with Colin. He tried to explain to her that we were no longer friends but she wasn't listening to him. Finally, he gave up. He had another idea to get both of you to the bar and then he'd find a way to introduce us and then make you both realize that Colin and I were no longer friends. But as you know Olivia would keep dodging the invitations and all. I thought you didn't want to come too."

  "No, that's not true. I didn't know about the invites to the bar until recently and I certainly didn't know how you felt about me. I'm sorry that you got the wrong idea. That's Olivia's fault."

  "Don't be mad at her. She misunderstood what was going on and was just trying to protect you." he said.

  "I got that, but she should have told me and left it to me. At least we would have found out that you were no longer friends with Colin. But she denied me that opportunity." I said.

  "Oh gosh, I hope I don't cause you guys to lose your friendship over this." he said.

  "Well, I also did something that caused her to be angry at me. I don't feel comfortable going into it, but basically she has every right to be mad at me as I am at her. Maybe, I should go and try to talk to her. I'm worried that I haven't heard from her." I said.

  "You said that she was sick, so that is probably why you didn't hear from her." he shrugged.

  "I guess. Here's some money for the appetizers. If it's wrong, I'll tell Olivia to give you the rest," I said.

  "I won't hear of it. He thrust the money back into my hands and shooed me out of my seat and towards the door. I was outside before I even got a chance to give it back. "Have a good night, Esme. I hope you work out things with Olivia."

  I waved quickly to Tyler, but before I know it, he was gone. My Uber was here anyhow, so I hopped inside and headed back home.

Olivia's POV

  I sat up on the couch and immediately looked for my phone. I found it on the end table and quickly went to check to see if Esme responded to me. It looked like she did respond sometime while I was in "A Life's Journey". It looked like she wanted to come home but probably decided not to when she saw I didn't respond to the text. I just shook my head. Now I was really feeling exhausted and wanted to head to sleep. I went to change into my pajamas. Just as I finished, I heard the front door being opened. It looked like Esme had returned home. I wondered if I should just pretend I was asleep and skip brushing my teeth and washing my face or go out and confront Esme. I took a deep breath and decided to confront her.

  When I saw Esme, I expected her to look very contrite, however she looked angry instead. I was trying to figure out why she would be angry at me. So I hesitantly said, "Esme, hello? I'm glad you are back."

  She just nodded and said, "Yeah. I never heard back from you, so I figured you didn't want me back."

  "Is everything ok? I'm sorry I didn't get back to you. When I didn't hear from you, I figured you didn't want to talk to me tonight."

  "I see. Well, there is definitely things we need to talk about." she said coldly.

  I didn't like the tone of her voice. She was definitely upset at me, but I still wasn't clear on why.

  "I know. I wasn't happy at what you did, but you are my friend, so I figured we should talk this out." I said.

  "Yes and there is something that you need to talk about with me." she stated.

  "Uh..ok.," I said unsure.

  "So you knew Tyler liked me and never told me about it?!" she said loudly.

  "Um yes," I said softly.

  "Don't you think I had the right to know about it?" she said.

  "I know you wouldn't want to go out with anyone that is friends with Colin," I said.

  "Did you know they are no longer friends and Kyle tried to tell you that?"

  "Is that true? Where did you hear that?

  "Tyler told me today. He said that Kyle was trying to tell you but you wouldn't hear of it."

  "Oh, he was trying to tell me something but I didn't realize it was that. Do you think that is true?" I said.

  "Why would Tyler lie about that?" she said.

  "Maybe he was lying because he wants to get with you and if you thought he was friends with Colin, you wouldn't have any of it."

  "Yeah, but do you think Kyle would lie to you? You should ask him about that."

  "No, Kyle is very honest and straightforward. I guess I could ask him about that." I said.

  "He was trying to tell you about that!" she yelled.

  "I'm sorry, I didn't realize that. I promise I will ask Kyle about all this."

  "Great. Did you even realize they are friends, Kyle and Tyler?"

  "Yes of course, I know they are friends." I said.

  "So don't you think Kyle would be a good judge of character of people, based on what you know about him?"

  "Yeah so?" I said.

  "Why didn't you let Kyle tell you what he knew about Tyler?" she said.

  I was starting to get a little bit angry and frustrated, especially considering the fact I was angry at her and what she did to me. "I messed up. I said that I would talk to Kyle about this, ok?" I said.

  "And furthermore, why didn't you tell me that Kyle and Tyler wanted us to go to the bar with them? Maybe I wouldn't have wanted to go either, but you should have at least given me the opportunity to make that choice for myself." she said glaring at me.

  "Based on what I knew, I didn't think you would want to go hang out with a guy who is friends with Colin. Besides, you had said you wanted to avoid bars after what happened with Colin."

  "Ok. The second part is true, but that changed recently." she said.

  "I honestly didn't know that. You never said that."

  "Yeah, but that never came up, that's why."

  "Is that why you took it upon yourself to make plans for us on my phone, pretending to be me?" I said angrily.

  "Ok. That definitely was a mistake. It was an impulsive decision. I thought it would be nice for us to get out for a change, but I shouldn't have been sneaky like that. I should have been honest with you and not pretend to be you and use your phone like that without your permission," she said.

  "Hell yeah, you shouldn't have done that! You didn't even realize it was the same Tyler that was friends with Colin?" I asked.

  "No, I didn't realize it at first. I didn't know that Tyler was working with you both. You never mentioned that." she said.

  "Sorry, I didn't think that was important, in light of what happened with Colin and all." I said.

  "Maybe if you listened to Kyle and found out about Tyler, we wouldn't be in this position," she said.

  "That still doesn't give you the right to use my phone like that. I trusted you with my password and I never thought you would go behind my back and pretend to be me and set up plans for something I told you I don't want to do." I said.

  "I know what I did was 100% wrong, but what would have been so bad about going to the bar and hanging out with Kyle, me and the others. Kyle seems like a great guy."

  "Yes, he is a great guy but I don't know how I feel about him yet and add that to how I feel about bars, it definitely would be a situation that was awkward and uncomfortable for me." I said.

  "What would be wrong if you gave a guy like Kyle a chance instead of your fake fantasy boyfriend from your crazy witch friend." she said.

  "Hey. That's not fair! You are just being plain mean now." I said.

  "Maybe that was a bit harsh, but wouldn't it be better to be with a guy who you could potentially have a future with, instead of something that is pretend?" she said.

  "You don't understand," I snapped. "I'm just going to bed now. I don't want to talk to you anymore." I said exhaustedly.

  "The feeling is mutual," she said icily. We both stormed into our respective bedrooms and slammed the door. It was going to be a long night for the both of us.