Gold-digger

Nora stared at Jane, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes wide with disbelief. She couldn't have heard correctly. But the words had slipped out of Jane's mouth like an unexpected truth, catching both of them off guard.

"What did you say?" Nora asked, her voice shaking.

Jane's face flushed with shame, her eyes filled with tears. She stumbled over her words, "I…I…I didn't mean to—"

"It was just a crush," she stammered, shaking her head, "a silly, stupid crush. It was before I knew how serious you two were."

But Nora's face remained frozen in an expression of betrayal. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked. "Why keep it a secret?"

Jane's throat tightened, the words she wanted to say becoming entangled in her fear.

"I was afraid," Jane whispered, her voice barely audible. "I didn't want to lose your friendship. And I thought the feelings would just go away." She looked up at Nora, her eyes pleading for understanding.