Sidequest for Love by L.H. Cosway

Michaela reached out to swipe me on the shoulder. “Don’t be an arsehole. You know what I mean.” She paused to eye me a moment, then asked, “Does it feel different with Neil compared to your past boyfriends?”

Yes. A million times, yes. Neil was the only man I’d ever actually wanted to kiss. He was the only man who could make my entire body feel like it was burning just by looking at me. He was the only man who made my heart feel all twisted up inside, like the ball of tangled wool my sister Helen stored in the top drawer of our shared cabinets after abandoning her attempt to learn how to crochet.

I nodded, and Michaela made a noise of commiseration as she came and wrapped her arms around my shoulders.

“It’ll work itself out. Neil will come around. He’s a forgiving type.”

I hoped she was right. She hugged me for a few moments before drawing away and going to pour us both some tea.

“So, what is this good news you wanted to tell me?”

“Oh, it’s not a big deal,” she said, looking rather sheepish now.

“Hey, just tell me. I’m in full depression mode. I need some good news to lift my spirits.”

“Well,” she said, glancing at the table as she lifted her hand. My eyes were drawn to a sparkling diamond ring on her finger.

“Oh, my God! You and James got engaged?”

Her lips began to pull into a smile. She was obviously overjoyed but felt bad telling me of her romantic success while I was wading through the ditch of heartbreak. “He took me to dinner last night and popped the question. I wanted to tell you and Sarita together, but she’s at work today, and I was impatient. I’ll tell her later tonight when she gets off.”

“That’s amazing news, Michaela!” I exclaimed. I didn’t even have to fake being thrilled for her. She was one of my best friends, and her happiness was my happiness. She and James made a wonderful couple.

“Thank you. We’re having a small engagement party next weekend. You’re invited, of course. It’ll be an intimate affair, just family and close friends.”

My stomach tensed. “Will Neil be there?”

She chewed her lip. “Well, yes, he’s my friend, and he and James have known each other for years.”

“Oh.”

“If you think it’ll be too awkward, I completely understand if you want to give it a miss.”

“No way. I’m not missing your engagement party. I’m sure if Neil’s still mad at me by then, he’ll just ignore me. He’s already demonstrated that he’s adept at the silent treatment. And you don’t need to worry about me making a scene. I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

Her eyes turned sympathetic. “I could reach out to him. See if he could be convinced to talk to you.”

“No, I don’t want to force anything on him. If he wants to see me, he knows where to find me.”

Michaela nodded, though she still had that sad look on her face. She shouldn’t be feeling sad right now. She should be feeling excited about her engagement. I swiftly changed the subject, and we talked about the party next weekend, which was to be an outdoor, afternoon tea affair in the gardens of a swanky hotel. Then we discussed what type of wedding she envisioned having.

An hour later, Michaela was walking me out when the doorbell rang. Through the colourful stained-glass panes on her front door, I spotted a familiar silhouette.

Neil.

Michaela glanced at me. “I don’t know what he’s doing here. Do you want to hide while I talk to him?”

I shook my head and inhaled a breath for courage. “No. It’s fine. I’ll leave. He probably wants to talk to you about work or something.”

She nodded and went to open the door. “Michaela, hi,” Neil said before his eyes fell on me. Ooof! The eye contact felt like a stomach punch. He frowned. “Oh. Sorry to disturb. I didn’t realise you’d have company. I can go.”

“It’s fine. What did you need?” Michaela asked.

It was on the tip of my tongue to say goodbye to her and leave, but I was frozen in place. I couldn’t stop staring at him. He looked tired, and I yearned to take his glasses off, smooth out the stress lines in between his eyebrows, and run my hands through his short brown hair.

Neil dragged his eyes away from me and cleared his throat. “Trevor asked me to visit an archive to find the original architectural drawings of an old building where he wants to shoot a Running on Air episode. Supposedly, the archive is run by some cranky old geezer who’s difficult to deal with, but he tends to be more accommodating to women, so I was going to ask if you’d come with me.”

Again, his eyes flicked briefly to mine before returning to Michaela. “I’m so sorry, Neil. I can’t go,” she said. “My parents will be arriving for a visit soon, and I have a big dinner planned.”

“Right, James mentioned the engagement,” Neil replied. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I haven’t told Mum and Dad yet. That’s what the dinner’s for.”

“Well, I’m sure I can manage a curmudgeonly old archivist by myself. I’ve dealt with worse.”

“I can come with you,” I offered impulsively, drawing his attention.

Neil’s frown returned. “I’m not sure if—"

“Oh, for crying out loud. Just take my help, Neil. And quit acting like you don’t know me.”