Her Best Friend's Brother by T. Dell (read the beginning after the end novel .TXT) 📕

to do this. To be honest I was pretty surprised. I mean I have thought about it, us more than casualy dating, especialy since it looks like you wil be at NYU with me next year.

But it’s not the end of the world and wel—at least now we know.”

Wel that decided it-- no way could she be at NYU with Parker next year. Florida State wins… hands down. “I am sorry Parker; I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Stop apologizing Libby. Just friends. That’s cool.” He puled her back towards him but it was a light friendly hug, and Libby realy needed a friend. “So friend, can I ask you a favor?” Libby looked up at him. “John and Mel left in our rental car about an hour ago… so…”

“So you need a ride to your hotel?” Libby smiled at her friend. “Come on, I need to get out of here anyway.” Parker threw a companionable arm around Libby and pressed a light reassuring kiss to her temple as they headed for the front door.

“Parker?”

“Hmm?”

“How much does it cost to fly down here?” Parker barked out a laugh. “Just a little humiliation.” Libby must have looked confused because after they were settled in the car Parker explained. “John’s grandfather owns an airline. You know— corporate charters, but John works off the price of his flights, mostly as an air steward, and it doesn’t cost the old man anything extra if I tag along so realy it only costs John a little humiliation.”

“An air steward? Like a flight attendant?”

“Yeah except the old man is kind of old fashioned --- he prefers airsteward, and since that term makes John turn red as an apple I have to say I like it too.” They shared a good laugh, and Libby was satisfied that her friend hadn’t been spending next year’s tuition on plane tickets.

She was leaving. With Parker. Tony stood slack jawed in the halway. He had come to find her, and to beg her for another chance. He was such an idiot. She had offered him everything he had wanted for what seemed like forever and he had thrown it al back in her face. Al because he was a little uncomfortable with her age. They could have worked it out--maybe started slowly he could have taken her on dates. Isn’t that what Mel had said he should do? He could have taken her to Broadway, and the empire state building. But never in a milion years had he expected to find her wrapped around Parker and headed out the door. It was probably his fault. He had driven her into someone else’s arms, but that didn’t take away the sting.

Chapter Six

They promoted me this year. Instead of coffee bitch,now I actually get to write something! Just the obits,but my name will be in next week’s issue. And I get tosend the interns out for coffee.

I am so sorry about everything.

-t-

How’s Florida? It is already getting cold here, and Iam thinking of you warm, and tanned basking insunshine.

I hope you are enjoying school. Mel tells me youlike going to class—naturally she is appalled. I thinkshe is planning on majoring in parties at NC State.

-T-

Mel says you made the cross country track team.

That’s great Lib. I know that must make you happy.

I know how busy you are, but maybe you could justlet me know how you’re doing?

-T-

One of my short stories was run in a local literarymagazine. I wanted to send you a copy, but Mel won’tgive me your address. She says she thinks you’re madat me. I know she’s right.

PS: Maybe you could give me an idea of how tomake you less mad?

-t-

This year for Halloween I am thinking of renting anapple costume and riding the subway all day. You see, Iused to get such a kick out of the characters I wouldmeet on the train that I think it is only fair I give backto the community.

PS: I miss you like crazy Lib.

-t-

I heard a joke today and thought of you… Wheredo cookies sleep?.... Do you give up? Okay I will tellyou… A cookie sleeps under the cookie sheets.

-t-

For the first time in almost five months Tony had made Libby smile. She was tired of ignoring him, and tired of feeling humiliated. It was hardly his fault. Besides, as it turns out she was realy happy at Florida State. So… she clicked reply.

That was so lame! You know why the cookie went tothe doctor right? Because he was a little bit nuts.

I do love school. I am making lots of friends, and Imiss you too

-L-

What did the big bucket say to the little bucket? -----

----------------- You look a little pail!

Sorry my baked goods humor is limited.

Thank you

-t-

Happy as she was, Libby struggled to feel wholy comfortable in Florida. She knew of course that colege would be different than high school, but knowing and experiencing were two very different things. Libby and her roommate, Suzy, threw themselves into campus activities. There were parties, and trips to St. George Island, and Libby had quite falen in love with cross country running. She missed Mel, and her other friends, but there was a freedom in not being surrounded by people she had known since she was six years old.

At thanksgiving Mel flew down to Talahassee, and Libby went home for Christmas and spring break. John and Parker had visited at Christmas too. Seeing Parker again was more pleasant than Libby had imagined.

Perhaps, she thought, she was coming to terms with that awful party. Maybe this is what closure felt like. Closure was good, because Libby was quite certain that she could not go on waiting for Tony to love her back. As Tony and Libby eased back into their friendship, both avoiding al mention of Mel’s graduation party, they were careful to keep things light and friendly. Libby was determined not to miss his flirty