"And that's why you've been so upset, so... unlike yourself." She shifts, and her expression wrenches into one of confusion. "Did tinder guy ever exist?"
I sob out a small laugh, and wipe my eyes.
"Not exactly," I confess.
"Jesus."
"I didn't mean to lie," I say quickly. "I didn't want to lie to you, not ever." My voice quivers with emotion, and with fear that she'll be angry with me. I can't hold it against her if she is. "I just... I couldn't tell you."
Pleading with my eyes, I hold my breath as I wait for her to respond. Wait for the confirmation whether or not we two will remain friends, whether or not the lies that I've spun into our relationship will upend it once and for all.
But Rhea shakes her head, her eyes kind and understanding as they always are.
"I get it," she tells me
