Even if that man was quite possibly the love of my life?
As in all things that required advice, I invited the girls over after work.
“It’s been a while since we had a wine and cheese party,” Reema lamented as she gobbled up a glass of Merlot.
“Slow down there,” I warned. “You don’t want to get sick the week of your wedding.”
“I’m so nervous.”
“Why?” Preeti asked. “You’ve been ready for this since you guys started dating, and lo and behold, it’s been sanctioned by all the parents since before you two met.”
“It’s a big step, and there are so many people who are going to be there, and any number of things can go wrong,” Reema admitted.
“Like what?”
“For starters, are you aware that weddings for one’s child require that the parents invite everyone they’ve ever met? One of my invitees to ten of theirs. I won’t know most of the people at my own wedding! It’s going to be huge. And the caterer can mess up, the cake can fall on the floor, the flowers could dry up before the ceremony, what if my choli is too tight, I could trip in my heels, Rohan could get cold feet—”
“Let me stop your neuroticism right there,” I interjected. “Things will go smoothly, and so what if they don’t? The important thing is sitting through the ceremony and getting the legal papers signed. Anything else will be laughable. Rohan will not get cold feet. You will not trip. But if you do trip, Rohan will catch you and it’ll be romantic. So there.”
She nodded briskly and carefully smothered a baguette slice with goat cheese. “What’s new with you? How are things with Jay?”
“Jay,” Preeti and Sana sang.
I wanted to roll my eyes and brush it off, but, just like with Wendy, my lips twitched and my smile couldn’t be contained. They leaned in to hear every juicy word.
“We’re good,” I managed to get out.
“Just good?” Sana asked.
“Or hot as Hades?” Reema winked.
“That second one,” I muttered, my face heating.
“You guys did it?” Preeti stated more than questioned.
I nodded in silent, gleeful confirmation, biting down on my lip to keep from grinning like a fool. The girls squealed and practically flung themselves back into their seats like a bunch of teenagers.
I expected them to ask for details, but Preeti added, “It was inevitable.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“C’mon, Liya. We could all see it. He’s insanely into you, and you are head over heels for him.”
“Sort of.”
Sana nudged my shoulder. “Admit it. You like a man. Like like.”
“Yes. I admit it. We are very into each other, we’re actually in a committed relationship. I was such a prick to him, but he fought for me.”
“Like I said, Jay is a good man. If he can fight you and win, then he can and will fight anyone and anything to keep you. I love it! What a romance!” Sana swooned. “Have you told your parents? They must be elated.”
“My mom knows. Although we’re not thinking about marriage.”
“Isn’t that where this goes, though?”
“Traditionally, but we all know I’m not traditional, and Jay is fine with that.” I laughed. “That would be the best conversation with my dad. Yeah, that suitor you tried to force me to meet, remember, the one I ran out on and mortified you over, well, turns out we ended up together anyway. However, don’t expect an engagement, much less a wedding, anytime in the next decade. We’re just going to date, get it on, maybe move in together.”
Sana turned bright red, her chestnut eyes wide and gleaming. “That’s horrible. Your poor parents will be crushed.”
“You can’t always live for someone else. Live for yourself. I’m with the man they wanted for me. That’s all they can ask for, and that’s all they’re going to get for right now. I admit…Jay makes the idea of marriage attractive. But let’s not start planning a wedding anytime soon.”
“I’m very happy and excited for you, Liya. You deserve a good, strong man who loves you,” Sana said.
All right. Time to get down to business. After a long swig of wine, I confessed, “So, my company is closing.”
“No!” Reema said. “What happened?”
“They screwed us over. Got me to cheer on a bunch of coworkers who trusted me, to rally them and keep them working despite all the lawsuits that had been coming at us, only to dump us all.”
“I’m so sorry. Are you freaking out?” Reema asked.
“No. I have cushy savings.”
“Are you sure?” She looked around, her scrutinizing gaze sweeping over my expensive style and landing pointedly on my Christian Louboutin collection.
“Yes, I’m certain. I live within my means. I pay bills, live debt-free, buy luxuries, and save money. I’m not completely irresponsible.”
Reema shook her head. “Sucks they didn’t tell you months ago. You would’ve had a new job by now.”
I drew in a breath. If I couldn’t count on my friends, then what good was our friendship? “They actually recommended me to another company, higher position, better pay. It’s a company I’ve had my eye on for years. I applied to them before, but they wanted me for a lab position instead of management.”
“That’s wonderful! I was about to worry. Where is it? Downtown?” Reema’s face lit up.
I played with the fringes of the throw blanket. “It’s in Dallas. They made an offer today.”
“What?”
The ladies gawked, panic quickly spreading through each of them like wildfire. I swallowed down my trepidation and went on, “I’ve never been this nervous to say something. I don’t want to leave you guys, but let’s face it, Houston has ruined me. I can’t stand being near…certain people. It’s exhausting. And I want to be with you forever, but you’re all moving on. We’re growing up.”
“Forget them!” Sana exclaimed.
“It’s understandable,” Reema interjected. “I’m proud of you for making it this long. We’ll miss you, but it would be nice to have a place to stay in Dallas. It’s far enough for you, but not too far from us. We will be there every month.”
I grinned, anxiety easing out of me until Preeti asked, “What about Jay?”
“I haven’t mentioned it to him. How do I? I don’t want to feel bad for leaving, but I can’t stay here for him.”
She sighed. “Well, sounds like you have something great, either way, and a serious discussion to be had. I’d suggest talking to Jay about it as soon as possible. He’s understanding and seems supportive. I don’t think he will try to make you stay. When would you start?”
“Um. They have a furnished apartment for me for the first three months and they want me to start right away. The place will be ready…on Monday.” I grimaced, expecting their worst reactions to such a big change happening this fast.
Reema almost choked on her drink. “What! Like this Monday, Monday? The day after my wedding, Monday?”
“I wouldn’t start that early. I don’t have to move up right away, either. I haven’t decided anything yet.”