I knew things between us would never be quite the same again.

I compose myself in the restroom, splashing some cold water on my face. I can't let the girls see me rattled like this over Ric. I take a few deep breaths and head back out, putting on my best casual smile.

"There you are!" Ace says as I rejoin them at the table. "We were just talking about maybe seeing a movie later. Any preferences?"

We discuss potential movie options over finishing our food. It's nice to get my mind off Ric for a bit and just enjoy being with my friends. As we're getting ready to leave, Ash mentions something that makes me chuckle.

We gathered our things, getting ready to head out after paying the bill. Just as we were about to leave, Ace's eyes went wide and she let out a little gasp.

"Uh, guys? Don't look now but..." She nodded her head towards the far corner of the restaurant. I felt my stomach drop as I followed her gaze to see Ric sitting there with the same woman from earlier, deep in conversation over coffee.

Before I could react, Ace was waving enthusiastically and calling out,

"Ric! Hey Ric, over here!"

I wanted to melt into the floor. What was she doing? But Ric had already spotted us and was waving back. Ace grabbed my arm and started steering us over towards their table.

"Ace, what are you doing?" I hissed under my breath, resisting her pull.

"Just being friendly!" she whispered back with a wink.

"Don't you want to introduce us?"

By then we had reached their table, Ash trailing curiously behind. Ric stood up, looking a bit surprised but still smiling.

"Hey guys, funny running into you here." He gestured towards his companion. "This is Tina. Tina, these are my friends Bee, Ace and Ash." (Ughhh, she even has my mother's name, great).

Tina smiled warmly, seeming completely at ease. "It's so nice to meet you all! Ric has mentioned what a fun group you are."

"Likewise!" Ace replied brightly. (Liar)

"We were just about to head out, but we had to come say hi when we saw our buddy Ric here."

An awkward silence followed as I'm sure we were all wondering the exact same thing. The nature of Ric's relationship with her.

Ace shoots Ric a sly look. "So is this a first date situation orrr...?"

Ric let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Actually, Tina and I met about a week and a half ago. We've just been getting to know each other."

I felt relief wash over me at his words. Just a week and a half, that wasn't too serious yet, right? Maybe I was overreacting earlier until Tina loops her arm through Ric's with a shy smile. "Yes, it's still quite new! But we really enjoy spending time with each other." She says, giving Ric's arm an affectionate squeeze. My breathing literally ceased. I just stood there like a statue, not saying a word, trying hard to not meet Ric's eyes.

Ace cooed, seemingly delighted by this new development. "Why didn't you tell us you were finally seeing someone, mister?"

Ric shrugged, looking almost bashful . "I didn't want to make a big deal out of it until I knew if it was going anywhere, you know? Didn't want to jinx things."

"Well, I think it's wonderful!" Ash piped up with an encouraging smile. "We're so happy for you both." she adds.

I finally found my voice, pasting on what I hoped was a convincing smile. "Yes, absolutely! Tina seems lovely."

Tina smiled happily when I complimented her, but then Ric's warm eyes met mine for just a second. I forced myself to not read too much into the look he gave me.

As the conversation kept going, Ace got really excited insisting we all go out together soon. But I couldn't stop myself from overanalyzing every little laugh and smile between Ric and Tina. Were they just casually seeing each other or were things getting more serious quickly?

A small part of me still wished that since it was so new, maybe.....No. I pushed that thought away firmly. This was good. Having my friend moving on and being happy. I needed to stop deluding myself with ridiculous thoughts and just be a supportive friend.

Still, as we said our goodbyes and headed out, I had this feeling like a door had quietly closed without me even realizing it was open. The heaviness settling in my chest told me I may have missed an opportunity or maybe I wasn't even ready to see it.

Forcing a smile, I linked arms with Ace and Ash, letting them lead me away. I'll be okay, I told myself. I have to be, for Ric's sake. But somehow, I knew things between us would never be quite the same again.

Hours later, I was boxing some of the cookies I spent my day baking when I heard the front door open. I wondered if it was finally Lay coming back from mom and dad's. I quickly head to the living room ready to give her a dramatic welcome when my eyes land the one person I wasn't expecting. (What is he even doing here). Shouldn't he be busy with his new girlfriend.