Emily set a plate of omelette on the table and took a seat opposite James. Sunlight filtered through the light curtains, bathing everything in a soft golden glow. She propped her chin with her hand and smiled.
James glanced up from his phone.
Is she cool? Whats got you so taken? he asked.
Totally! Emilys eyes lit up. We chatted yesterday and discovered we have a ton in common. Shes into rock climbing, goes to the same gym I used to frequent, and reads the same books. Its like shes my mirror image, even the office feels like it was designed for me.
James laughed and reached for his coffee.
Thats great. Youve needed a mate at work for ages.
Exactly! Emily lifted her fork, but didnt bite. She wanted to keep talking. She also loves hiking. Weve already pencilled in a trip for next month. She tells everything so honestly, without any of the pretence.
James nodded, tearing off a piece of bread.
Sounds brilliant. Think you could introduce us?
Sure thing. How about a dinner this weekend? Ill cook something tasty and we can all chat.
Sounds perfect, James replied with a relaxed grin. Why not?
Emily gave a satisfied nod and turned back to the omelette. Inside her, everything sang. She loved her job, she had a wonderful boyfriend of three years, and now a new friend who fit like a glove. Life felt almost flawless.
Two weeks later Emily hosted the dinner at her flat. She scrubbed the apartment until it glistened and prepared Jamess favourite dishroast chicken with rosemary. Claire arrived bearing a bouquet of tulips and a cake.
Emily, this place is so cosy! Claire exclaimed, looking around. I could stay here forever.
Emily laughed and took the flowers.
Thanks. James, this is Claire. Claire, meet James.
James extended his hand, smiling.
Pleasure. Emily has told me so much about you I feel like Ive known you a century.
Likewise, Claire shook his hand. Shes always saying youre the most patient person on earth.
James winked at Emily. You need patience with a lively girl like you.
The evening unfolded beautifully. James and Claire quickly hit it off, discovering a shared love for classic cinema and 70s rock. They raced to name their favourite films, debating which was superior.
Emily sat between them, her smile never fading. Her two favourite people were becoming friends. What more could she ask for?
After that night they began meeting as a triogoing to the movies, exhibitions, weekend hikes. James even started suggesting outings with Claire, claiming there was never a dull moment with her.
Emily was thrilled.
Gradually, however, she started noticing odd shifts. James began staying later at work, whereas hed always left on time before. He texted less throughout the day and called even less. When Emily tried to discuss future plansbuying a house, a weddingJames gave short, evasive answers, as if the topics weighed on him.
Claire changed, too. Occasionally Emily caught her watching James with a quick, assessing glance, as if she wanted to say something but held back, then smiled and steered the conversation elsewhere.
One evening Emily was in the living room while James cooked in the kitchen. His phone lay on the table beside her. The screen lit up with a new message.
Emily glanced at it instinctively. It was from Claire, sent just before midnight: Thanks for today.
Emilys heart clenched. She set the phone down and stared at the wall. What did it mean? When had they met today? James had said he was stuck at work.
She tried to dismiss the thoughts. Perhaps theyd bumped into each other by chance, or discussed a work issueJames worked for a different firm, after all. She chastised herself for being jealous, convincing herself they were just good friends, that she was reading too much into nothing.
But the unease lingered.
In March the three of them drove to a cabin on the shores of Lake District. The getaway had been planned for months. Emily dreamed of forest walks and evenings by the fire. Claire was eager from the start, and James was supportive. They rented a lakeside cottage, brought tents and climbing gear.
From the first day, the atmosphere felt off. Emily watched James and Claire exchange lingering looks, the room falling silent whenever she entered. On the second day they walked together along the lake while Emily rested after a climb. James explained he was simply showing Claire the way to an old chapel a local ranger had mentioned.
Emily nodded, but something inside tightened.
On the final night they all sat by the fire. Both James and Claire looked bewildered, guilty. James avoided Emilys gaze; Claire did the same. Emily tried to make conversation, but their replies were monosyllabic.
That night Emily lay awake, convinced something vital had cracked beyond repair.
A week after returning, James messaged: Emily, we need to talk. Meet me at the café?
Emily was at work, staring at her screen, a knot of dread tightening in her stomach.
At five she arrived at the café. James was already there, a table by the window, with Claire beside him.
Emily paused at the door, momentarily tempted to turn and leave, but her feet carried her to their table. She slipped into her coat and sat opposite them.
Whats happening? she asked, eyes flicking between James and Claire, both wearing apologetic expressions.
James stared at his napkin, tearing it into tiny pieces. At last he looked up.
Emily, I dont know how to say this. We didnt plan it. It just happened.
Emily clenched her fists under the table.
In the Lake District we finally realised we fell for each other, James said softly. We tried to fight it, really tried. But we cant hide it any longer.
Claires eyes filled with tears, mascara streaking down her cheeks.
Emily, Im sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. Youre my best friend, but this this is stronger than us.
Claire reached out.
Emily pulled her hand back. Inside her, anger, betrayal, pain tangled into a knot lodged deep in her throat.
Stronger than us? Emily snapped, looking at both. While I was planning our future, you were having an affair behind my back? While I thought about marriage, kids, a life together? How could you both have the conscience to do this? What did I do to deserve it?
Emily, we didnt mean to James began.
Didnt mean to? Emily raised her voice. A few nearby patrons turned, but she didnt care. You met behind my back! You wrote to each other at night! And now you say you didnt mean it? This is betrayal, James. The worst thing anyone could do to me.
James glanced down, his voice low. I know. I know its vile. I cant keep lying to you. I cant pretend everythings fine.
Emily turned to Claire. You called me your best friend. How could you?
Claire sobbed, covering her face with her hands.
Im sorry. I didnt see it coming. We just talked, spent time together, and then realized it was more than friendship.
Emily pushed her chair back with a screech, grabbed her bag, and gave them one last look.
I dont want to see either of you again. Never.
She stormed out of the café into the cold night, tears streaming down her cheeks, refusing to wipe them away. She walked briskly, not caring which way she turned, until she found herself at the underground station.
The next day Emily submitted a request to transfer to the London branch of her company. Her manager was surprised but didnt press for details. Her performance was valued, and the transfer was approved swiftly.
Claire tried to callEmily blocked the number. James sent a few messagesshe deleted them unread. James collected his belongings while she was out, leaving Emily to return to an empty flat. She stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the spot where his shoes had been.
Two weeks later Emily was already settled in London. She unpacked, despite her parents objections. She was determined to start anew, away from any trace of James and Claire.
The first months were hard. Emily returned to climbing, now solo, which helped steady her mind.
One day a mutual acquaintance from Manchester messaged her. James and Claire moved in together. Been living as a couple for two months now.
Emily read the text and turned off her phone.
The ache didnt disappear, but it dulled. She no longer wept at night, no longer replayed their last encounter. She kept moving, day by day.
Emily hadnt just lost a boyfriend and a friend; she lost faith in peoples honesty, in the idea that friendship could be true, that love wouldnt be shattered so easily.
She chose to rebuild, this time more cautiously letting new people in.
The pain would stay with her for a long time, but Emily knew she would survive. She had no other choice.
