What We don’t Say

I didn't think I'd actually go.

Even after Harper asked me in person — her voice casual, eyes hopeful — like it was just any other plan between friends.

Even after I smiled and said, "Yeah, sure. Sounds fun."

Even after Dani teased me about my outfit on the way out — "Corporate casual or kinda cute?" — and I just shrugged, pretending not to care.

I didn't think I'd walk all the way to the restaurant, heart quiet and oddly steady.

But I did. I got there five minutes early and stood outside the place like I belonged there.

Like this wasn't weird. Like I wasn't about to sit across from the girl I had feelings for, her best friend, and her boyfriend.

It was fine.

I was fine.

They were already there when I walked in.

Harper waved when she saw me, her whole face lighting up like always. Rae turned, mid-sentence, and greeted me with a grin. Loe stood to pull out the empty chair beside Harper.

I smiled, easy and natural. No one could tell the way my lungs tightened just slightly.

"Hey, Carly," Rae said. "You clean up nice."

I laughed as I sat down. "Thanks. You look like someone who's about to outdrink everyone at the table."

She winked. "Because I am."

Loe offered a handshake — warm, steady.

"Nice to officially meet you," he said.

"You too. Finally."

And just like that, I was at the table. One of them. Like it had always been that way.

The conversation flowed easily.

Harper told a story about Rae trying to order fancy cocktails at a hole-in-the-wall bar the night before.

"They gave her a cup of Sprite and told her it was a gin fizz," she said, laughing.

"I knew something was off!" Rae groaned.

"Still drank it though," Loe added.

I laughed with them. Not politely — genuinely.

Because Rae really was funny. And Loe had this laid-back charm that made it impossible to dislike him. He didn't hog the spotlight, but when he spoke, he held the room just enough. The way Harper leaned into him when he talked — I noticed. Of course I did.

But I didn't let it mean anything.

At one point, Rae leaned over to me and said, "You're quieter than I expected. But I like your energy. Very… no-bullshit."

I smiled. "Thanks. I practice."

She smirked. "You seem like the kind of person who notices everything."

"I try not to," I said — more honest than I meant to be.

She didn't press. Just lifted her glass. "Well, here's to new group dynamics."

I clinked mine against hers. "And surviving them."

Loe, for his part, was just… normal. In the best way.

He didn't brag. He didn't cling to Harper in that insecure, performative way some people do when their partner brings someone new into the fold. He asked me about work, laughed at Rae's roasts, and even offered me his last fry without hesitation.

When Harper got up to use the bathroom, Rae turned to Loe and said, "Okay, now you can say it — what's your real impression of her friends?"

He smirked. "I mean, Rae's the obvious favorite."

She flipped him off, grinning.

Then he turned to me. "You're cool, Carly. You've got this quiet confidence thing going on. I see why Harper likes being around you."

I blinked. Just for a second.

"Thanks," I said, lifting my water glass. "Same to you. You've got a… dependable vibe."

"Wow," Rae said. "The highest praise Carly can give."

I just smiled.

I kept waiting for something to crack. For a moment to break the illusion of ease. But it never came.

There was no awkward silence. No subtle exclusion.

Just laughter, full plates, and the background noise of a Friday crowd.

And for the first time in weeks, I believed it — that maybe I could really do this.

I could be the friend. The quiet, stable presence who shows up and knows when to stay in her lane.

I could live in the reality where Harper loves someone else.

Where Rae is her best friend.

Where Loe is good to her.

I could stop holding out for the fantasy of something more.

And just hold space for what is.

Outside the restaurant, we lingered.

"Drinks next time?" Rae asked me as she zipped up her jacket.

"Sure," I said. "As long as you don't make me drink any more of your mystery gin fizz."

"Deal."

Loe gave me a quick wave. "Glad you came."

"Same," I said.

And Harper — Harper wrapped her arms around me without warning. Her perfume was soft and familiar. Her body warm against mine.

"I'm really happy you came," she said into my shoulder.

I hugged her back. Not too tightly.

"Me too."

Walking home, I felt strangely light.

Not healed. Not over it.

But not drowning either.

I could breathe.

And for now… that was enough.