Kimberly sat at her desk, her fingers typing away furiously at her laptop. The latest digital marketing campaign she was working on had taken over her life these past few days, and it seemed like the only thing that could occupy her mind. She was making good progress, but a lingering thought kept nudging her—one she couldn't shake.
Ryan.
She hadn't heard from him again, which was a relief and, strangely, a disappointment. It was exactly what she had wanted. No more running into him, no more strange, undeniable feelings tugging at her. But at the same time, there was a small part of her that missed the casual conversations, the way he made her feel like someone who mattered.
Kimberly shook her head, forcing herself to refocus. You've got work to do. No time to think about him.
A knock on her office door broke her concentration. She turned to see Laura standing there, smiling brightly, holding a small bag in her hands.
"Hey, Kim," Laura greeted, walking in. "I was in the area, so I thought I'd drop by."
Kimberly raised an eyebrow, surprised but grateful for the interruption. "Hey, what's up?"
Laura grinned mischievously, stepping closer. "I've got something for you." She opened the bag to reveal a small box of chocolates, the kind Kimberly loved.
"I was at the shop and thought, why not?" Laura said. "I figured you could use a little pick-me-up."
Kimberly's heart warmed at the gesture. "You're too kind," she said, reaching for the box. "I'm seriously addicted to these things. How did you know?"
Laura chuckled. "I've seen you go through a couple boxes. Besides, I know when my best friend needs a sugar fix."
Kimberly laughed, taking a piece of chocolate. It was just the distraction she needed. As she savored the sweet treat, Laura leaned against her desk, giving Kimberly a look. "So, how's everything going? You've been kind of quiet lately."
Kimberly paused, her smile faltering for a brief moment before she masked it with a cheerful tone. "Everything's fine. Just been busy with work, you know."
Laura seemed to buy the response, but Kimberly could tell her friend wasn't entirely convinced. Still, Laura didn't press any further, and they spent a few more moments chatting about casual topics. Laura made Kimberly laugh with her stories about her latest misadventures with Alex, and soon, Kimberly felt more relaxed, the weight on her shoulders feeling lighter.
"Well, I'll let you get back to work," Laura said, glancing at her watch. "But I just wanted to drop by and brighten your day a little. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call, okay?"
Kimberly smiled, truly grateful for her friend's visit. "Thanks, Laura. I really appreciate it. You're a lifesaver."
As Laura left the office, Kimberly felt a sense of calm settle over her. The chocolates and the company were a welcome distraction, but deep down, she knew she couldn't avoid the inevitable forever. Ryan was still in the back of her mind, even if she didn't want him there.
That evening, the group of friends gathered for dinner at their usual spot, a cozy, upscale restaurant with dim lighting and a quiet atmosphere—perfect for catching up without the noise of the outside world. The evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, and exciting news that kept Kimberly's mind occupied. Tonight, she was truly herself, not masking any feelings.
Audrey, Chloe, Laura, and Kimberly shared a large, round table in the corner, the perfect setting for their catch-up. Audrey was animated, talking about her salon's growth and how she'd just hired a new stylist to help with the increasing demand. Chloe, on the other hand, had her own challenges to talk about.
"Oh my gosh, you guys, this wedding is killing me," Chloe exclaimed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "It's for a couple who couldn't be more different if they tried. One's super traditional, and the other wants everything to be modern. I've been going back and forth with them for weeks, and now they want to change the whole color scheme at the last minute!"
The friends laughed at Chloe's story, understanding the stress that came with event planning. Kimberly leaned back in her chair, enjoying the laughter, and realized how much she had missed moments like this. She had been so focused on her work and avoiding anything related to her emotions lately. Tonight, she was just happy to be surrounded by her friends and their funny, unpredictable lives.
Laura nodded sympathetically, taking a sip of her drink. "Sounds like a nightmare. But I know you'll pull it off. You always do."
Chloe shrugged, a small smile on her lips. "I'll figure it out. I just hope they actually stick to something for once."
The conversation shifted, and Laura took a deep breath, her face slightly tense. "Speaking of figuring things out... I've been meaning to talk to you guys about something."
Kimberly glanced at Laura, sensing that something was weighing on her friend's mind. "What's up?"
Laura looked down at her hands, fiddling with her napkin nervously. "It's Eric... he's been acting off lately. He's been really distant, and I'm just not sure what's going on. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I'm worried. I've tried talking to him, but he just brushes me off."
Audrey raised an eyebrow. "Distant? How?"
Laura sighed, shaking her head. "He's not as affectionate, not as present. And when we talk about the future, he shuts down. It's like he's pulling away from me."
The table fell into a thoughtful silence. Kimberly felt for Laura, knowing how much she cared about Eric. It was hard to see her friend go through uncertainty in a relationship. Audrey was the first to break the silence.
"Well, I think you should talk to him directly," Audrey suggested. "Maybe he's going through something and doesn't know how to express it. If you don't talk about it, it's just going to keep eating at you."
Kimberly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, if you don't communicate, it's just going to build up. You need to get it out in the open."
Laura looked between them, grateful for their advice but still uncertain. "I know, I know. I just don't want to make it worse. But I'll talk to him. I just don't know how to start."
"You'll figure it out," Chloe reassured her. "And if he truly cares about you, he'll be willing to work things out. Relationships aren't perfect, but they're worth fighting for."
As the conversation continued, Kimberly felt a deep sense of gratitude for her friends. They weren't just supporting her with their advice; they were lifting her up, helping her see the importance of communication, honesty, and confronting what scared her.
Kimberly wasn't ready to talk about the fear and walls she had built around her own heart, but she appreciated the safety and comfort of being able to listen to her friends' struggles. It gave her strength. And as the night drew to a close, she realized she had been truly herself—no walls, no pretense, just her.