What are friends for

 "This does not sound like a good start to the new year," Jade said to Carmen over lunch in the breakroom. Both had started their low-carb diet and were sampling chips that had 18 grams of protein.

"Oh well," Carmen said, maybe it was the weather. At the moment, it was getting colder, and the rain was turning to snow. Jade hoped they closed early, but she doubted it.

"But you two just got married, maybe he wanted to go on a honeymoon," Jade mentioned, Justin, Carmen's husband.

"We both knew we didn't have time for that. He's got that job he's been working for at the hospital," Carmen sighed. Justin was still giving her the silent treatment. "Has Ari ever done that to you?"

"Um, he just starts cleaning a lot," Jade noted. She sipped on her diet drink. Carmen drained hers.

"I really want pizza," Carmen squinted.

"Me too. But maybe we can go at the end of the month." Jade shrugged back.

Carmen looked as if she dreaded going home. Jade grabbed her phone. "Let's just get pizza after work and meet up at my place. You text Justin, and I'll text Ari." Jade didn't want to say it, but maybe Ari could fix this, after all, he was the one who got Justin to the States to begin with.

"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that," Carmen smiled. "And to think he thought Justin was his long-lost brother."

"Yeah, Ari gets it done. I think they just liked knowing each other online." Jade got a text back from Ari and said OK.

"Do they keep in touch anymore?"

"Not like in the beginning." Jade nodded as she put her phone away. "I mean, sometimes, you can only do so much for someone. I know Justin likes it here. I know he's happy with you."

Carmen nodded. "I guess it's all the family stuff. If it were just us, he'd be fine."

"We don't live in a perfect world, but your parents haven't even visited since you two tied the knot." Jade looked at Carmen's sad face. Finally, Carmen got a ding from Justin. Jade knew that smile meant he was coming to dinner.

"Maybe you two could stay over, try out guestroom."

"You have a guestroom?" Carmen's smile was open.

"Yeah, I don't think it'll ever be a nursery." Jade spoke so quietly Carmen didn't even hear her.