We werent planning it, it just happened.
Max, guess what? We have a new girl in the office Poppy. Shes brilliant!
I set a plate of scrambled eggs on the table and took the seat opposite him. The latesummer sun filtered through the sheer curtains, bathing the room in a soft golden glow. I rested my chin on my hand and gave him a smile.
Max finally looked up from his phone.
Brilliant? Whats got you so taken?
Its not just that, I chirped. We chatted yesterday and found out we have a ton in common. Shes into rock climbing, goes to the same wall I used to frequent, and reads the same books. Its like they copied my tastes and dropped her straight into our team.
Max laughed and reached for his coffee.
Sounds great. Youve needed a work mate for ages.
Exactly! I grabbed my fork but didnt bite. I wanted to keep talking. Shes also mad about hiking. Weve already pencilled in a trip for next month. She tells everything so openly, without any of the usual pretence.
Max nodded, tearing off a piece of toast.
Nice. Think you could introduce us?
Sure thing. How about a dinner this weekend? Ill cook, well sit and chat.
Fine by me, Max said effortlessly. Why not?
I gave a satisfied nod and turned back to the eggs. Inside, everything felt bright. I loved my job, I had a wonderful boyfriend of three years, and now a new friend who clicked with me instantly. Life seemed almost perfect.
Two weeks later I hosted the dinner at my flat. Id scrubbed the place until it gleamed and prepared Maxs favourite dish roast chicken with rosemary. Poppy arrived bearing a bouquet of tulips and a small cake.
Emma, your place is so cosy! she exclaimed, looking around. I could stay here forever.
I laughed, took the flowers, and introduced them.
Max, this is Poppy. Poppy, this is Max.
Max extended his hand, smiling. Pleasure. Emma has told me so much about you I feel like Ive known you a lifetime.
Likewise, Poppy replied, shaking his hand. Shes always saying youre the most patient person on earth.
Max winked at me. You need patience with a lively lady like her.
The evening went smoothly. Max and Poppy discovered a shared love for classic cinema and 70s rock, arguing playfully over which films were better. I sat between them, my smile never fading. My two favourite people were getting along what could be better?
After that night we started hanging out as a trio: movies, galleries, weekend hikes. Max even suggested inviting Poppy more often, saying it was never dull with her. I was thrilled.
Then small changes crept in. Max began staying later at work, whereas before he always left on time. He texted me less during the day and called even less without a reason. When I tried to discuss future plans buying a house, wedding his answers grew short and evasive, as if the topics weighed on him.
Poppys behaviour shifted too. Occasionally I caught her watching me with a quick, assessing glance, as if she wanted to say something but held back, then she would smile and steer the conversation elsewhere.
One evening I was in the living room while Max cooked in the kitchen. His phone lay on the table; the screen lit up with a message. I glanced reflexively. It was from Poppy, timestamp just before midnight: Thanks for today.
My heart tightened. I set the phone down, stared at the wall. What did it mean? Wed met earlier; Max had said hed been delayed at work. I tried to push the thoughts away, telling myself theyd just bumped into each other or discussed something workrelated, even though Max worked for a different firm. I felt ashamed of my jealousy, convincing myself they were simply good friends and I was making a mountain out of a molehill. Still, a sour aftertaste lingered.
In March the three of us booked a cabin on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District. Wed been planning the getaway for months; Id been looking forward to forest walks and evenings around a fire. Poppy was buzzing with ideas and Max was keen to join. We rented a cosy house by the lake, brought tents and climbing gear. From the first day, though, the atmosphere felt off.
I noticed Max and Poppy exchanging lingering glances, falling silent the moment I entered the room. The next day they walked together along the lake while I rested after a climb. Max explained he was simply showing Poppy the old chapel the local ranger had mentioned. I nodded, but something inside tightened.
On the final night we all sat by the fire. Both looked uneasy, guilty. Max avoided my eyes, and Poppy did the same. I tried to draw them out, but their replies were terse.
That night I lay awake, convinced something inside us had shattered beyond repair.
A week after we returned, Max sent a message: Emma, we need to talk. Meet me at the café?
I was at work, staring at my screen, a knot of dread forming in my stomach.
At five I arrived at the café. Max was already seated by the window, with Poppy beside him. I paused at the doorway, a fleeting urge to turn and leave, but my legs carried me to the table. I slipped into my coat and sat opposite them.
Whats going on? I asked, eyes flicking between the two of them, both wearing apologetic expressions.
Max fidgeted with his napkin, tearing it apart. Finally he looked up. Emma, I dont know how to say this. We didnt plan it. It just happened.
My hands clenched under the table.
In the Lake District we finally realised weve fallen for each other, Max said quietly. We tried to fight it, we really did, but we cant hide it any longer.
Poppys eyes filled with tears, mascara running down her cheeks. Emma, Im sorry. I didnt want to hurt you. Youre my best friend, but this this is stronger than us.
She reached out toward me. I pulled my hand back. Anger, betrayal, pain boiled together into a lump lodged in my throat.
Stronger than us? I snapped, looking at both of them. You were behind my back while I was making plans, you were what? Having fun together? While I was dreaming about a wedding, kids, a life together? How could you live with yourselves? What did I do to you?
Emma, we didnt want Max began.
Didnt want? I raised my voice. A few patrons turned, but I didnt care. You were meeting behind my back! Messaging each other at night! And now you act like it wasnt your choice? This is a betrayal, Max the worst thing you could do to me.
I know, Max said, staring at the table. I know it was wrong. I cant keep lying to you. I cant pretend everythings fine.
And you? I turned to Poppy. You called me your best friend. How could you?
Poppy sobbed, covering her face with her hands. Im sorry. I never expected it to turn out like this. We were just hanging out, talking, and then it became more than friendship.
I pushed my chair back with a screech, grabbed my bag, and stood. I dont want to see either of you again. Never.
I walked out into the cold night, tears streaming down my face, not wiping them away. I kept moving, not looking at the streets, until I reached the tube station.
The next day I submitted a transfer request to the London branch of the company. My manager was surprised but didnt pry. My performance was valued, so the move was approved quickly.
Poppy tried to call I blocked her number. Max sent a few messages, which I deleted without reading. He collected his things from my flat while I was away. I returned to an empty apartment, stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the spot where his trainers had sat.
Two weeks later I was in London, unpacking in a new flat. My parents disapproved of the move, but I was determined to start over somewhere without reminders of Max and Poppy.
The first months were hard. I returned to climbing, now on my own, and it helped steady my thoughts. One day a mutual acquaintance from Manchester dropped me a message: Max and Poppy had moved in together and had been living as a couple for two months. I read it, then switched off my phone.
The ache didnt vanish, but it dulled. I stopped crying at night, stopped replaying our last encounter. I kept moving forward, day by day.
I hadnt just lost a boyfriend and a friend; I lost faith in peoples honesty, in the idea that friendship could be pure, in love that didnt betray so easily. Yet I decided to rebuild my life, now more cautiously letting new people in.
The pain will linger for a long time, but I know Ill get through it. I have no other choice.
