Member-only story
My Friend Just Lost His Wife
I chose divorce grief but he didn’t choose this true grief.
My high school boyfriend and I have remained friends. A few years ago, I visited him. After a fun weekend spent with him, his wife, and a few others we make plans to meet for brunch.
Our other high school friend isn’t feeling well that morning. Her boyfriend decides to stay with her at the hotel. This means brunch may feel a little awkward.
Or not.
My high school boyfriend and his wife pull up to the entrance of the hotel. I jump into their car. I can sense they’re feeling what I am feeling. Is this going to feel weird without our other friends as buffers?
“It looks like it’s just the three of us,” I joke.
The uncomfortable silence lifts.
We laugh.
The remainder of the ride feels as it has the prior nights. A few people who genuinely enjoy each other. It turns out we don’t need a buffer. The three of us converse seamlessly.
“I texted my other high school buddies that you’re my new BFF,” I say.
“Really?” says his wife. “That makes me so happy. I called my best friend this morning. I told her my husband’s high school girlfriend is my new BFF. She was like, really?!”
