’ I think he was going to say ‘Tell her I love her’ but got embarrassed, you know what men are like. He looked so sorry he missed you, just like...a cute puppy.”Jake didn’t ring or text Gill that day and she was concerned that he had forgotten that they had a tentative date for a family meal in her house on Wednesday night. When she called him at bedtime, the call went straight to voicemail. She hesitated about what to say to the machine. It was clear they were finished. That was why he called in. His hands moved back to the small of my back and my lips melted intohis again. Time seemed to stop as we made out in the parking lot, butfinally I pulled away again and told him I really needed to go."Alright Camille, I hope I'll see you again soon." I hope so too."He left without another word, and I realized he had never asked me formy number. I decided it was because he really was James from Fridaynight, doing Jen's bidding, making me feel pretty and desirable.Or maybe he didn't realize I was. You’re standing on the sideline waiting for the contest to end so you can stand beside the winner. That’s not a friend. I’m through with this. You got the same set of facts as everybody else. You know everything anybody else knows. Pick your side or I’ll pick for you.”I ended the call and angrily pushed the phone into my pocket. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them I saw Liz standing in a short robe on the balcony overlooking the pool area. I smiled and waved to her. She. As soon as possible, I sold out and bought a small flat, all paid for and all mine.It was just after the New Year when Roger came over with his current girlfriend, a very young and busty girl whose name I've completely forgotten. We set about drinking the flat dry and come eleven or so we had done exactly that."I'll go and get some more," volunteered Roger.He left, leaving me alone with his slightly drunk girlfriend."I haven't had my New Year's kiss yet," I said the drink making me.