Poppy Greene set a plate of scrambled eggs on the table and took a seat opposite Max Turner. Sunlight slipped through the lace curtains, bathing everything in a soft golden hue. She propped her chin with her hand and smiled.
Max glanced up from his phone.
So, is she a keeper? Whats got you buzzing?
Absolutely! Poppys eyes lit up. We chatted yesterday and discovered we share a ridiculous amount in common. Shes into climbing too, goes to the same wall I used to frequent. She reads the same books. Its like someone copied my work profile and pasted it into the office.
Max chuckled and reached for his coffee.
Nice. Youve been needing a work buddy for ages.
Spot on! Poppy lifted her fork but didnt bite. She wanted to keep the conversation flowing. She also loves hiking. Weve already pencilled in a trip next month. She tells everything straight, no fuss, no theatre.
Max nodded, chewing his toast.
Sounds brilliant. Can you introduce us?
Of course! How about a weekend dinner at my place? Ill whip up something tasty, we can sit, chat, and maybe even argue over whos got the better taste in music.
Deal, Max said with a grin. Why not?
Poppy gave a satisfied nod and turned to the eggs. Inside her mind everything was buzzing. She had a job she loved, a wonderful bloke shed been with for three years, and now a new friend who seemed to click effortlessly. Life felt almost perfect.
Two weeks later Poppy hosted the dinner. Shed polished the flat until it shone, and prepared Maxs favourite rosemaryroasted chicken. Ivy Clarke arrived clutching a bouquet of tulips and a homemade cake.
Poppy, this place is cosy! Ivy exclaimed, taking in the surroundings. I could live here forever.
Poppy laughed and took the flowers.
Thanks. Max, this is Ivy. Ivy, meet Max.
Max extended his hand with a smile.
Pleasure. Poppys told me so much about you I feel Ive known you a century.
Likewise, Ivy replied, shaking his hand. She says youre the most patient man in the world.
Well, you need it, Max winked at Poppy. You cant survive a lively girl without a bit of tolerance.
The evening rolled on splendidly. Max and Ivy hit it off immediately, discovering a shared love of classic cinema and 70s rock. They rattled off favourite films, debated who was the best director, and laughed at each others terrible jokes.
Poppy sat between them, smiling. Her two favourite people were becoming friends. What more could she ask for?
After that night the trio started meeting up regularly movies, art exhibitions, weekend hikes. Max even suggested inviting Ivy more often, claiming life with her was never dull.
Poppy was delighted.
But gradually she began to notice odd little shifts. Max started staying later at work, something hed never done before. He sent fewer texts during the day and called less just to say hello. When Poppy tried to discuss future plans buying a house, a wedding Maxs replies grew short and evasive, as if the topics were a sore tooth.
Ivy changed too. Occasionally Poppy caught Ivys gaze lingering on her, a quick, assessing look that seemed to say something unspoken before Ivy turned back with a smile and steered the conversation elsewhere.
One evening Poppy was in the lounge while Max cooked in the kitchen. His phone lay on the table beside her. It buzzed a new message.
Poppy glanced reflexively. Ivy. Time almost midnight. The text was brief: Thanks for today.
Poppys heart gave a nasty twist. She put the phone down and stared at the wall. What did it mean? Had they just bumped into each other somewhere? Was it workrelated? Max worked for a different firm, after all. She chided herself for being jealous, convincing herself they were just good friends and that she was inventing drama.
But the sting lingered.
In March the three of them drove up to the Lake District for a weekend retreat. Theyd been planning it for ages. Poppy imagined forest walks, evenings by the fire, and quiet mornings by the lake. Ivy was thrilled from the start, and Max was eager to join. They booked a cosy cottage on the shore of Ullswater, packed tents and climbing gear.
From the moment they arrived, something felt off.
Poppy watched Max and Ivy exchange glances, hear their whispered jokes, notice how they fell silent whenever she entered the room. On the second day they trekked together along the lake while Poppy rested after a climb. Max explained he was simply showing Ivy the way to an old chapel the local ranger had mentioned.
Poppy nodded, but inside something tightened.
On the final night they all gathered around the fire. Both Max and Ivy looked bewildered, guilty. Max avoided Poppys eyes, Ivy did the same. Poppy tried to draw them out, but they offered only monosyllabic replies.
That night Poppy lay awake, convinced something essential had snapped beyond repair.
A week after returning, Max texted: Poppy, we need to talk. Meet me at the café?
Poppy was at her desk, staring at her screen, a knot of dread forming in her stomach.
At five she walked into The Coffee House. Max was already seated by the window, Ivy perched opposite him.
Poppy paused in the doorway, a fleeting urge to turn and flee, but her feet carried her to the table. She dropped her coat and sat down.
Whats happening? she asked, eyes flitting between Max and Ivy, both wearing apologetic expressions.
Max stared at his napkin, tearing it into tiny pieces. At last he looked up.
Poppy, I dont know how to say this. We didnt plan it. It just happened.
Poppy clenched her fists under the table.
In the Lake District we finally realised we fell for each other, Max whispered. We tried to fight it. We really did. But we cant hide it any longer.
Ivys eyes filled with tears, mascara running down her cheeks.
Poppy, Im so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Youre my best friend, but this this is stronger than us both.
Ivy reached out.
Poppy pulled her hand back. Anger, hurt, and a swirl of betrayal roiled inside her.
Stronger than us? Poppy snapped, glancing around as a few other patrons turned their heads. You two were having a secret romance while I was planning a wedding, a house, a future? How could you be so cruel?
We didnt want to Max began.
Didnt want? Poppy raised her voice. You were texting each other late at night, meeting behind my back, and now you act like it was an accident? Thats the worst betrayal, Max. The worst thing you could do to someone who trusted you.
Max lowered his gaze. I know. I know Ive been a terrible liar. I cant keep pretending everythings fine.
And you? Poppy turned to Ivy. You called me your best friend. How could you?
Ivy sobbed, covering her face. Im sorry. I never imagined it would end like this. We just talked, spent time together, and then it turned into something more.
Poppy rose, the chair screeching as it hit the floor. She grabbed her bag and gave them one last look.
I dont want to see either of you again. Never.
She walked out, the cold night air biting her cheeks. Tears streamed, but she didnt wipe them away. She kept moving, not caring about the direction, until she found herself at the underground station.
The next day Poppy handed in a transfer request to move to the Manchester branch. Her boss was surprised but didnt pry; she was valued, and the transfer was approved swiftly.
Ivy tried calling Poppy blocked the number. Max sent a few messages she deleted them unread. He collected his things while she was away, and Poppy returned to an empty flat, staring at the spot where his sneakers used to sit.
Two weeks later Poppy was settled in a new flat in Manchester. Her parents were skeptical, but she was determined to start fresh, far from memories of Max and Ivy.
The first months were tough. She returned to climbing, this time solo, and it helped her find some balance.
One day a mutual acquaintance from London messaged her: Max and Ivy had moved in together and were living as a couple for two months now.
Poppy read the message and turned her phone off.
The pain didnt vanish, but it dulled. She no longer wept at night, no longer replayed their last encounter on loop. She simply kept going, day by day.
Poppy hadnt just lost a boyfriend and a friend; shed lost faith in peoples honesty, in the idea that friendship could be pure, in love that didnt betray so easily.
Still, she decided to rebuild her life, this time a bit more cautious about who she let in.
The ache would linger for a long time, but Poppy knew shed manage. She had no other choice.
