Nate and I were childhood friends, practically inseparable since we were in diapers. His girlfriend hated it. They constantly fought because of me, playing out this endless drama of breaking up and getting back together, her running away and him chasing after her. It wasn't until a group dinner that she decided to call me out in front of everyone. "Chloe, how about I set you up with someone? You know, so you stop being the third wheel." The room went dead silent. I glanced at the man sitting next to Nate—his best friend, Julian. Then I smiled and shook my head. "No thanks. I already have a boyfriend." The next second, Nate’s face went dark. His hand clenched around his wine glass until it shattered. 1 Nate and Sarah got back together. Again. When I heard the news, I felt absolutely nothing. Penny was texting me the gossip with her usual enthusiasm: Penny: [They were broken up for a whole three months this time. A new record.] Penny: [Apparently Sarah ran off to Paris in a huff, and Nate actually flew out there to win her back.] Penny: [Two years, five breakups. Do they ever get tired?] I laughed but didn't reply. Penny: [Bet you anything Nate's gonna be blowing up the group chat about a celebratory dinner...] Penny: [You going?] I sent a sticker of a cat saying "No way." Me: [Pass. I have to practice. The concerto competition is next month.] Penny: [Fair enough. I'm going though. Gotta see the train wreck in person. I'll report back with tea.] Me: [Deal. Good luck.] I put my phone down and picked up my violin. About thirty minutes later, I checked my phone again. Penny had sent another message. She seemed hesitant this time. Penny: [By the way... do you know why they broke up last time?] Me: [No clue.] Penny replied instantly. Penny: [Rumor has it... Sarah found out Nate's phone passcode. It was your birthday.] 2 On Friday, the dormant group chat exploded. Just as predicted, Nate announced that he and Sarah were back together and he was treating everyone to dinner at our usual spot, The Rusty Anchor. The responses were a mix of congratulations and roasting. [Congrats, bro. Again.] [Nate, you're slipping. Took you way too long this time!] [Is there a punch card for these 'back together' dinners? Do we get a free sub eventually?] ... I was typing out an excuse to decline when Sarah tagged me directly. Sarah: [@Chloe You have to come!] Me: [Sorry, I'm really busy with rehearsals.] Sarah: [Oh come on, it's just dinner!] Sarah: [I know I've misunderstood your relationship with Nate in the past, and I probably made things awkward for you.] Sarah: [I just want to apologize in person. Please?] The chat went dead silent. No one typed a thing. I gripped my phone, annoyance bubbling up in my chest. After a moment, I typed: [Fine. See you there.] 3 By the time I arrived, the private room was already buzzing. When I pushed the door open, the chatter stopped for a second. Nate was sitting at the head of the table. When he saw me, the tension in his forehead visibly relaxed. "Took you long enough," he said, patting the empty chair next to him. "Sit here." Sarah's smile faltered for a microsecond, but she recovered quickly, looping her arm through Nate's in a clear possessive gesture. "Chloe! You made it! We were waiting for you." "Sorry, traffic was a nightmare." Nate’s eyes were glued to me as I spoke. I ignored him and walked straight past the empty seat to the corner where Penny was waving frantically. As soon as I sat down, Sarah walked over with a glass of wine. "Chloe, I'm so glad you came. "I know I used to get jealous and misunderstand things between you and Nate. I made a scene more than once, and frankly, it was embarrassing. "I'm sure it was annoying for you too. So, I wanted to say sorry. I hope you don't hold it against me." She stood over me, looking down with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "But don't worry, it won't happen again! "Nate promised me. He explained that even though you guys grew up together, he just sees you as a little sister. That's all it is—brotherly concern. "And you used to follow him around everywhere because you saw him as a big brother too, right?" The room went quiet again. Everyone was suddenly very interested in their silverware or napkins. Nate was staring at me, waiting for my answer. Penny rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to snap back, but I put a hand on her arm to stop her. I picked up the wine glass in front of me, stood up, and looked Sarah dead in the eye. "I'm glad we cleared that up. Apology accepted," I said with a polite smile. "Nate's right. We're just neighbors. Don't waste energy misunderstanding him anymore. It's bad for the relationship." I raised my glass to her. "Cheers. Wishing you guys a lifetime of happiness." I downed the drink. Thud. Nate slammed his glass onto the table, his face cold. He looked annoyed, but he kept his voice controlled. "You can't handle alcohol. Put it down." Sarah’s face went pale. Her knuckles turned white around the stem of her glass. Because Nate wasn't talking to her. He was talking to me. 4 I met Nate when we were eight. Our families lived next door. In elementary school, I started learning the violin. Nate would stand in his yard covering his ears, yelling, "Chloe! Are you killing a cat in there?" In middle school, he tutored me in math, tapping my forehead with his pen when I zoned out. "Chloe, focus! Are you trying to fail?" In high school, I tripped during track and field. He carried me to the nurse's office on his back, his voice shaking. "Chloe, does it hurt? Say something!" And when my parents died in a car accident my junior year, he held my hand at the funeral, telling me over and over, "Chloe, don't be scared. I'm here. I'll always be here." We were the childhood sweethearts everyone rooted for. We were in every chapter of each other's lives. I thought he meant it when he said he'd always be there. Until Sarah joined our orchestra class. Nate started talking about her constantly. He said, "Chloe, don't you think Sarah looks a little like you?" "How?" "She plays the violin just as badly as you used to." He said, "Chloe, Sarah's pretty cool. Can you get her number for me?" Then he said, "Chloe, Sarah and I are dating." ...
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