Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

When Lena saw me, her eyes widened. “Did you mug someone last night or something?”

Even with makeup, my dark circles were glaringly obvious. I didn’t bother pretending. “Just couldn’t sleep.”

Lena didn’t pry further, probably assuming it was about Hayden again.

“Where’s Nate? Why isn’t he here?” I asked, steering the conversation. I’d invited Nate to discuss something about Yuna.

“What, missing him already?” Lena teased.

“Yep, been pining away for him forever,” I shot back, grinning.

She poured me a glass of water and slid it across the table.” He got called in to check out some case for a friend. Said he’d swing by after he’s done.” NôvelDrama.Org content.

I sipped the water. “So, how did meeting his parents go? All smooth?”

“Smooth enough. My parents love him–already pushing us to tie the knot as soon as possible.”

Her tone was far from excited.

I’d known her long enough to catch it instantly.

“You don’t sound too thrilled about that.”

“It’s not that I’m unhappy. It’s just… everything feels rushed, like we don’t even know each other that well yet,” Lena said, shaking her head slightly. “Am I being too picky?”

“Kind of,” I admitted, not sugarcoating it. “You’ve liked him for so long.”

“I have liked him,” she said, sighing. “But we’ve barely even dated, and now it’s all about marriage. And with him living abroad…”

She trailed off, her worry loud and clear–she wasn’t ready for a long–distance marriage.

It was clear she felt stuck, unsure how to resolve the distance problem.

“One of you is going to have to sacrifice,” I said bluntly. “Otherwise, it’s either long–distance or separate lives.”

Lena pouted but stayed quiet.

Being together isn’t just about love.

Honestly, with my own life still a train wreck, I wasn’t exactly equipped to play couples counselor. This was something Lena and Nate needed to figure out for themselves.

“Have you been losing sleep a lot lately? If it keeps happening, don’t ignore it. Come to the hospital tomorrow, and I’ll check you out,” Lena said, steering the conversation back to me.

“No, it’s just last night,” I said, yawning mid–sentence. Drowsiness was creeping in, but I couldn’t leave before Nate arrived.

“Why don’t you head back?” Lena suggested, her tone concerned. “If it’s important, you can call him tomorrow.”

“I’m fine. I’ll wait,” I insisted, waving a waiter over to order a double shot of coffee.

By the time Nate finally showed up, the caffeine had worked its magic, and I was wide awake.

1/2

“Sorry I’m late,” Nate said, sliding into the seat..

“Rea’s already caffeinated herself into alertness,” Lena teased, though there was a hint of scolding in her voice.

Nate apologized again. I waved him off before signaling the waiter to bring out the food.

Over lunch, I brought up Yuna’s health.

“I’ve looked through her checkup reports,” Nate said. “She’s doing great. If she avoids rejection for the next three years and stays this stable, she should be fine long–term.”

His words eased some of my worry, but then I thought about Yuna’s heart–Narelle’s heart. And Wade. Yuna liked him, but Wade only cared about her because of that heart. The thought made my stomach twist. “Has she been feeling sick or acting differently?” Nate asked, catching the shift in my expression.

I avoided mentioning Wade and instead told him about Yuna’s plans for college. Both Lena and Nate were very supportive, with Nate stressing that a normal routine would help Yuna adjust to her new life.

After the meal, they offered me a ride, but I turned them down. Nate’s visits were rare, and I didn’t want to cut into their time together.

Or so it seemed.

Instead of heading home, I made my way to the bar where Tanya worked.

I ordered a drink and settled into a seat, letting the music buzz around me.

It didn’t take long for Tanya to notice me.

I noticed her too, right away. I could feel the dissatisfaction radiating off her at the sight of me.