Chapter 2

I met Emily later that day at the  Sips Cafe around the corner from her and Owen’s studio. Although we  live together,  she has been preparing for her showcase.  She is a really talented artist/ photographer, and her work is really amazing.    I haven't had a chance to really talk to her much in a few weeks.  Her and Owen have been working all day till really late  getting ready, so she  spends most nights at his place.  It’s closer to the studio and just makes sense.   

I took an Uber to see her.  The studio is in Arlington on Mass Ave.  So I had them drop me off at the corner of the Cafe.  I looked up and saw her walking down the street towards me.  I suddenly had this urge to run to her, so I did.   I finally reached her.  I grabbed her and hugged her.   “Oh I have missed you, I feel like it's been forever!” I was almost in tears. 

 “It’s because it has been.”  She was my safe place for a long time, and it felt like an eternity since I had last seen her.  We have never gone this long, but we were both so busy, life just has been breezing by.  

“Come!” She grabs my arm “who is this mystery guy you think you fell in love with?” She is being sarcastic.  I am smiling, and it hurts my face.  I’m not sure I remember smiling like this.  “Hurry and spill it, I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time.” She winks at me.  

“I have no idea who he is, but I have seen him twice, Em.” I pause for a moment and think about the words coming out of my mouth.  I sound pathetic. 

 “Keep going!” Emily said firmly.  

“Well,  the last time was at the gym in our apartment building, where I passed out momentarily.” I laughed and I can't even finish and she is just laughing  shaking her head.  

“Oh Soph.” 

 “Em it was such a weird feeling I got when I saw him.  The energy in the room just shifted on us.  It's like I felt a charge! As if we were being brought together. ” I sound so stupid saying this outloud.  I shake my head and throw my head in my hands. 

“I cannot believe you fainted Soph, was your blood sugar low?” She’s laughing, I’m laughing.  

“I’m pathetic!” 

“Speaking of men, I have someone I want you to meet.” she says “Owen’s best friend Elliot, you remember he was living in California?  He just moved back a few weeks ago. He is really cute,  crazy, nice and super successful.” she smiles.  

“I don’t know Em, It's been so long.  I haven’t thought about anything really outside my work in months.  I wouldn’t even know how to date.”

“Sophia Larossi” She smiles, Emily never calls me Sophia and when she slips in my last name, i know she is serious. “You deserve to feel it all, always.  You need to lighten up and learn to have fun,we are so young!” She locks her arm with mine and we walk to our table.  

“I love you” and I kiss her on the cheek. 

 “I am not trying to get you to marry him, but I just thought it may be nice to just see what is out there.  There is more to life than work.” She’s right.  

“Maybe!” I say “I will meet him, and see what happens.  No use staying hyper focused, life can be fun. “

I changed the subject to her.  “I am excited to come to the show..  You have been working so hard, I miss you!’  I say with a frown.  I can’t wait to watch all your work sell.  I know it will.”  

Once the showcase is over I know she will have more time, but I feel like I haven't seen her much.  “Let's get our nails done the day before the show.   I’ll call Sandy and snag the last appointment.  I’ll work most of the day setting up, and we will go.  My treat!” She winks.  

“That would be amazing!” I smiled

We sat there for a while and enjoyed lunch.  She was really excited for her show.  She said I would be really happy too.  Whatever that means, she didn’t elaborate and I didn’t ask.  It was just nice to catch up and see her.  It’s been a few weeks, and I missed her. 

We laughed a lot, talked about her show and how her and Owen will be moving in together.  They have been talking about that a while now.  Never actually taking the leap. I mean, they have been together for about 6 years.  Ever since our Freshman year of college.  

I walked her back to the studio and right as she was about to close the door she yelled back  “Owen’s friend will be at the showcase, I’ll introduce you then!” She laughs, I laugh and roll my eyes. 

 “Go work.”