Who Gets the Friends? by Tim Smith Read Free Book Online

kept my mind focused on what I was doing and who I was doing it with. I thought about Tom all week and was really looking forward to our date last night. She sipped some wine, then picked up the framed photograph from the couch. It was a photo of her late boyfriend, striking a dashing pose in his Air Force uniform. Jessica felt a tear trickling from the corner of her eye.
    Before you left on that two-week annual training in Texas, you said you loved me, but I didn’t answer you. You said it was okay, then kidded with me that you expected an answer when you got back. Guess I should’ve told you when I had the chance.
    She laid the photo next to her and stared at the candlelight reflecting off the snow globes across the room. Her mind was flooded with memories. When I was married my ex didn’t give a damn about what I wanted out of life, as long as he got to do what he wanted. All those football and hockey games he insisted I go to, even though I didn’t really care for them, just so I could decorate his arm in front of his friends. I think I was more of a trophy than a spouse. The few times I protested, he managed to make me feel guilty about it. Sure didn’t catch him doing something I wanted to do.
    She took a sip and looked at the picture again. How come you were never like that? You actually treated me with respect. What was wrong with you, anyway? Didn’t your parents raise you right?
    She rested the photo in her lap. Just makes me feel even worse about last night. I know Tom just got out of a bad marriage and isn’t looking to settle down so soon again, but I really like him. I think he likes me, too. I could call him again, but what’s the point? He didn’t talk to me last night or call me today, and it’s Saturday night. He’s probably out having a good time, trying to find someone else to spend his time with.
    Jessica took the photo to a credenza in the corner, then looked at it again. I’m sorry, Brad, but it’s time for me to move on. No matter what happens, I’ll always love you.
    She planted a kiss on his likeness, then placed it in a drawer.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    Tom entered Longhorn Steakhouse and looked around. When the hostess approached he asked for the location of the party room and was directed toward the rear of the packed restaurant. He walked in that direction, feeling some trepidation. I know this is something I need to do to get out of the slump I’ve been in, but what kind of friends does Karly with a ‘k’ hang out with?
    He soon found out when he entered the room and was greeted by loud chatter and laughter competing with equally loud music. It was a mix of 80s rock and contemporary pop. Tom scanned the room and saw Karly on the far side, talking with two women. She spied him and gave a big smile accompanied by an exaggerated wave of her hand.
    “Hey, Marathon Man!” she called out. “Over here!”
    Tom weeded his way through the throng of partiers. Karly flashed a wide silly grin and hugged him. Tom hugged back out of reflex, then got a whiff of her breath when she hung her arms over his shoulders. Ninety-proof affection. Wonder what she’s been drinking?
    “‘Bout time you showed up.” She turned to one of the women she’d been talking with, an attractive young black woman. “This is my friend Tom. Tom, this is Rashida, my bestest BFF ever.”
    Tom smiled. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
    Rashida smiled while looking him up and down. “Karly’s been telling me all about you.”
    “Nothing bad, I hope.”
    Rashida gave him a sly grin. “All good things.”
    “Come on,” Karly slurred. “This is a party and you don’t have a drink. We need to fix that.”
    Before Tom could protest she steered him to the cash bar across the room.
    “Scotch and soda,” he instructed the bartender.
    “And two more Jello shots,” Karly added.
    Tom glanced at her. “Not to be nosey, but how many of those have you had?”
    Karly laughed. “Enough to enjoy myself.” She gave