Avery sprawled across her plush couch, tucking her legs under a throw blanket as she watched Janice rummage through the kitchen cabinets.
“Do you even know where anything is?” Avery called out teasingly.
“Not a clue!” Janice shouted back. “But I’m too committed now to ask for help. Where are your wine glasses? You’ve got, like, eighty cabinets in here.”
“Third one on the left,” Avery said with a laugh, shaking her head. “How do you not know this by now? You’re here every other week.”
“Your kitchen is basically a maze,” Janice retorted as she emerged triumphantly with two glasses. She plopped onto the couch next to Avery and poured the wine, sloshing a little onto the coffee table.
“Nice job,” Avery said dryly, grabbing a napkin.
“Details,” Janice said, waving it off. “Now, tell me, what’s the deal with this Ryan situation? Because you’ve been acting like a teenager with a crush, and I need to know everything.”
Before answering, Avery gestured to the coffee table, now filled with snacks that looked like they belonged at a five-star party. There was a charcuterie board with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, salami, prosciutto, and crackers arranged like artwork. Bowls of popcorn, dark chocolate truffles, and gourmet potato chips were scattered around.
“Okay, first,” Janice said, popping a piece of brie into her mouth, “this is way too fancy for a girls’ night. Where’s the cheap pizza and microwave popcorn?”
“You’re the one who said you were bringing a classy red wine,” Avery shot back, grinning.
Janice held up her glass, smirking. “Touché. But seriously, you’re stalling. Start talking.”
Avery sighed, leaning back against the couch. “Ryan brought me lunch today.”
Janice froze mid-sip, her eyebrows shooting up. “He what?”
“He brought me lunch. Like, he just showed up at my office with salads and coffee.”
Janice set her glass down dramatically. “Okay, hold on. That’s kind of adorable. But also… Ryan Hayes? Salad delivery guy of the year? This is the same guy who called you a walking dictionary in high school, right?”
“Don’t remind me,” Avery groaned. “But he’s… different now. He apologized again, and he’s been so thoughtful. I don’t know, Jan. He’s making me laugh, and it’s nice. But it feels so complicated.”
Janice popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “Complicated how? Because of Shawn?”
Avery nodded, her expression softening. “It hasn’t even been a year since he passed. I feel like I’m betraying him, like I’m moving on too soon. He meant so much to me, Jan.”
Janice reached over and squeezed Avery’s hand. “Aves, I get it. But moving on doesn’t mean forgetting Shawn. It doesn’t mean you loved him any less. It just means you’re human, and you deserve to feel happy again.”
Avery frowned, swirling her wine. “But is it wrong to feel something for someone else already? Shouldn’t I need more time?”
Janice leaned forward, her tone serious but gentle. “There’s no rulebook for grief. It’s messy and personal, and you’re allowed to heal in your own way. If Ryan makes you smile, if he’s giving you something to look forward to, then there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“But what if people judge me?” Avery asked quietly.
Janice scoffed, waving her hand. “Who cares what people think? They don’t know what you’ve been through. You loved Shawn, and you still do. But you’re alive, Avery. You’re allowed to keep living.”
Avery blinked, the weight of Janice’s words sinking in. “You really think it’s okay?”
“I know it’s okay,” Janice said firmly. “And for the record, Shawn would want you to be happy. You’re one of the strongest, most incredible people I know, and you deserve someone who sees that.”
Avery gave a small smile, her chest feeling lighter for the first time all day. “Thanks, Jan. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Crash and burn, obviously,” Janice quipped, tossing a popcorn kernel at her.
Avery laughed, catching the popcorn and throwing it back. “You’re the worst.”
“And yet you keep inviting me over,” Janice said smugly, grabbing another piece of chocolate. “Okay, now that we’ve tackled your emotional crisis, let’s talk about something important.”
“Like what?” Avery asked, raising an eyebrow.
Janice leaned in conspiratorially. “What exactly did Ryan order for lunch today? And more importantly, did he get extra dressing on the side?”
Avery rolled her eyes, but her laughter filled the room. “You’re ridiculous.”
The movie started playing in the background, a hilariously bad rom-com that had both of them groaning and laughing in equal measure. The food dwindled as the night went on, and the wine glasses were refilled more than once.
By the time the credits rolled, Avery felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in months. Janice was right—she was allowed to feel happy again, to let herself enjoy the small, unexpected moments of joy life was offering her.
“You okay now?” Janice asked as she gathered the empty glasses and plates.
Avery nodded, her smile soft but genuine. “Yeah, I think I am.”
“Good,” Janice said, patting her on the shoulder. “Because no matter what happens, you’ve got me. And I’ll be here to remind you of that every time you start doubting yourself.”
Avery hugged her, grateful beyond words for her best friend. “Thanks, Jan. You’re the best.”
“I know,” Janice said with a grin. “Now, let’s plan next week’s girls’ night. But this time, I’m bringing the snacks.”