5...

I’m almost twenty-five, and still no suitable candidate for family life.

There were suitors, dates, courtships — but nothing ever felt right. The honeymoon phase is lovely, but I can’t imagine any of them as my lifelong partner.

So I stopped looking. Finding your mate is a gift of fate — and maybe it’s just not meant for me.

One afternoon, sitting on the porch of my grandfather’s house, sipping aromatic tea and watching the workers around the farm, my phone rang.

Damn. I’d just gotten comfortable, and the phone was inside the house.

Reluctantly, I got up and trudged to answer. Who could disturb my siesta?

I answered without looking:

“Hello?”

“Danka, hi!” Eli’s voice was warm. “How are you?”

“As usual. Nothing new,” I answered, lacking enthusiasm.

“That’s no good!” I could hear her frown — then excitement crept into her voice.

“Listen, Robert’s good friend needs an assistant — well, technically a secretary’s assistant. Apparently, the secretary ‘works after hours’ so much she never finishes her tasks. Grandpa’s gone now, so why stay in that village? A change of scenery might help you find a groom. It’s good for women’s health.”

I rolled my eyes. Everyone wants to set me up. First Mom, then Dad, now Eli.

“I don’t have problems with ‘women’s health,’” I replied dryly.

“Oh, right. You have Arthur — your ‘female helper’!” she teased, irritated.

“Oh God! Don’t call him that! You know he’s a good guy,” I muttered.

“All right. He loves you, so he’ll do anything. Why don’t you give him a chance?”

“I love him — as a friend. A special friend, yes, but nothing more. What chance? It wouldn’t be fair to him. I don’t have deeper feelings, and he deserves someone who loves him completely.”

Arthur matured a lot over the years. He started going to the gym and got strong. Not a skinny boy anymore — a handsome man popular with women.

We were, are, and I hope, will remain good friends. Arthur and Eli are my best friends.

It would be foolish to deny that I know about his feelings. It’s obvious to anyone paying attention.

I endured every full moon, hoping for my soulmate, then grew desperate. The she-wolf demanded her due.

And at one of those moments, Arthur was simply there.

Abstinence wasn’t just unpleasant anymore — it was painful. I thought the she-wolf would one day take full control, so better to give my innocence to someone I know and who loves me, rather than to the first person my horny she-wolf gazed at.

That’s how our friendship became friends with benefits. When it gets really bad, Arthur helps. Never refused.

It’s funny — who can say no? Maybe he still hopes I’ll love him, though I’ve been clear from the start so he has no illusions.

We probably should end it before he never finds someone else. Arthur deserves happiness. God, how selfish I am! Maybe Eli’s right — I need a change of scenery.

“Yeah, he’s a good guy,” Eli agreed. “Think about the job. It’s a great chance to settle in the city, and the pay’s good. But the boss is, let’s say, lovey-dovey — which keeps the secretary from getting work done. I bet there’s a blonde with a size five bust and saucer lips,” she laughed. “Don’t think too long — a place like that won’t stay empty.”

“You know what? I’m in. What do I have to lose?” I shrugged. “But one condition — just for you.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t tell Robert to help me get the job. I want to do the interview myself. No pretty eyes or connections.”

I heard Eli sigh and probably roll her eyes. Then she said,

“All right. You’re smart and responsible. I trust you’ll manage. I promise not to interfere.”

“Deal.”

“But pack your things. The interview’s the day after tomorrow. You’ll stay in our old apartment — not far from the firm. We haven’t sold it since buying the new house.”

“Thank you so much, Eli. What would I do without you?”