So last year

 

Clearly, Vada made a mistake. She didn't know what came over her when she met Jared. Was she just thinking of Justin and something came over her like an intoxicating drink?

Yes, she'd made a fool of herself. And maybe Kevin thought of her as a lush of some kind, but he made it sound so last year now.

Still, it freaked her out when Carmen came on like a mama bear of some kind protecting her young. Maybe she had a thing for Jared too. She couldn't help but mention it to Sammie.

"No, it's all you," Sammie shrugged. "I think Carmen cares about Justin and she didn't like how you ..might have made him feel, coming on to his brother at the party."

All Vada could give her friend was a big sigh and, "You don't like Carmen better than me, do you?"

Sammie only chuckled. "Why do I have to decide? I like being friends with both of you."

"But I gave you the best Christmas gift, now didn't I?"

"Oh, Vada." Sammie shook her head, no. "You didn't have to buy the cashmere sweater for me." She told her then she didn't have anywhere to wear it. She was sure she'd mess it up, especially around babies or paint might get on it. It was true, Sammie didn't have an expensive wardrobe. On the other hand, Carmen brought her homemade food, egg rolls, and even enchiladas. Definitely, food Sammie could use during her busy days of winter.

"Just worry about Kevin, will you?" Sammie reminded her that he'd given her some nice presents, even a beautiful bracelet. "He thinks the world of you."

"And I don't know why," she was down about it. "I don't deserve it."

"You need to understand-" Sammie started.

"Understand what?"

Sammie shrugged. "You need to figure out how to appreciate him. It doesn't mean sex every night. You need to listen, you need to be his friend."

Vada nodded. "I don't know what happened to you, but you seem to run to those..that..you know deep down will not be there for you, in the end. Or..maybe...

"Maybe what?" Vada looked at her friend blankly.

"Maybe it's you who won't be there for them in the end," Sammie told her as she went on to serve her hot tea and a warmed leftover slice of quiche on this cold winter day. Yes, Sammie knew what to expect from her friend when she dropped in a little before dinner time after work. 

Vada hated she was like this, but change was hard, especially when everyone was so giving, why did she have to commit to anything.