Dating Someone Who Runs to Another Man

Evan Sutherland loved Queenie Stone, so he put up with all the crap.

But sometimes, Joel Lodge was upset because he had a bad day at work and had gotten chewed out by his boss. Sometimes, it was just a sad song that made him want to cry…

Evan had gotten jealous and lost his temper before, but Queenie always looked him straight in the eye and said, "Evan, I've known Joel for 15 years. There's nothing between us. He's just my most important friend. He's depressed and could hurt himself at any time. Can't you be a little more understanding?"

He'd been more than understanding. But this time, he was done.

"Mom, Dad, I'm gonna check on her. You two go ahead with dinner."

It was pouring outside. Evan didn't have an umbrella, but he didn't feel like going back for one. He just dashed through the rain and grabbed a cab home. When he opened the door, he was hit by a blinding scene.

Queenie and Joel were curled up in each other's arms on the couch. Her hand rested on his back, patting it absently, as if she were soothing him. It was exactly how she used to comfort Evan.

Evan's clothes were soaked through. The chill seeped from his chest through the rest of his body. He didn't know how to put what he was seeing into words. All he finally got was that, between the three of them, he was the one who had never really belonged.

If that was how it was, he would step aside.

He had no idea how long he stood there before Joel finally noticed him. Joel jolted and instantly pushed Queenie away.

He was wearing Evan's pajamas, and his voice carried a thin thread of guilt. "Sorry, Evan. I only just found out that today was the day Queenie was supposed to meet your parents. I'm sorry I had another episode. I told Queenie to go back to your place first, but she didn't want to leave me alone. That's why she brought me here."

Evan didn't move from the doorway. He simply asked, "Why are you in my pajamas? And what exactly were you two doing just now?"