Confessions

PrologueI had a problem with my neighbour. Actually problem isn’t the right word because I liked her; I mean I really liked her and as she is openly gay and I’m single there shouldn’t have been an issue except that she’s also my best friend (yep, that old chestnut) and as far as she knew I’m straight. Let me fill you in on some details. Eight years ago I married a wonderful guy called Rob and our marriage was as close to perfect as it gets. We both had high earning jobs and no kids, so money wasn’t an issue; we not only loved each other but respected each other, we had a nice house and a great group of friends and our s*x life was great. Unfortunately Rob was taken from me suddenly by a massive brain hemorrhage 2 years ago. Jane had moved in next door about 6 months before Rob passed away and the three of us had quickly become good friends, often going out as a foursome with Jane and a date. Rob and I often joked about having a threesome with Jane (who wouldn’t -- she’s gorgeous!) but it never got further than a joke and we never mentioned it to Jane. I’ve never been averse to the idea of a relationship with a woman, I just never had the chance but the thought of sharing Rob sexually was something I’d have struggled to handle. After Rob died I actually coped quite well initially; there are so many practical things that need to be taken care of after a death that they kept me pretty busy and gave me something to focus on; however after about eight weeks I started to crumble. After the funeral many of our old friends seemed to drift away - I think they found it hard to know what to say, but Jane was there for me through thick and thin. If I was having a bad day she wouldn’t just say “there, there, it’ll be alright” she would make me do something to occupy myself. We did gardening and DIY; we went for walks; or to the pictures or out for a meal; we worked out at the gym or went swimming and you know what? It was exactly what I needed. In the two years since Rob passed, Jane and I have become incredibly close and have done everything together, I’ve cried over Rob and she’s cried over a lover she thought was “the one”; we’ve been each other’s friend and confidant, plus-one partner at parties and events; had some lovely holidays and shared pretty much everything going on in our lives. So here is the crux of the matter. How to tell Jane that I’ve fallen in love with her without blowing the best friendship I’ve ever had. This is how that dilemma played out…