My friend and I unexpectedly ran into each other at a party, and I quickly pulled him aside.
— James, you’re just the guy I need! Help me find someone.
He nearly choked on his cocktail:
— What, am I a private detective or something?
— I know you work in the police. I urgently need to find a girl…
— Come on, give me the details already!
— Emily and I did everything together. We went for walks, studied, cooked meals, hugged, and kissed passionately. The happiness was indescribable, like it would last forever. Sure, she didn’t like surprises or pranks, but I loved them. That little difference never got in our way. Until our first fight. She just ran off, slammed the door, and vanished. That’s how our love ended…
— Why do you need her now? — he asked, suddenly curious. — One love’s gone, another will come.
— You wouldn’t understand. I’m begging you, please help me find her! You’ve been in love before, haven’t you?
He just shrugged, puzzled:
— Maybe she moved to another country. Or she’s long married with a bunch of kids.
— In just a year and a half? Even if so, find her, and I’ll tell you why I need her.
— Alright, I’ll try. Give me all the info.
Time passed. I’d call him sometimes, asking if there was any progress, but he’d just say vaguely:
— It’s moving slowly. Be patient.
I kept waiting. Four months later, with no hope left, Michael called me:
— I found your girl. Where should we meet?
— Oh, thank you so much!
— I’m not sure you’ll be thanking me, — he said in a grim tone.
He didn’t say anything more…
I invited them to my place, barely able to wait until evening, feeling incredibly nervous.
— Another one of your pranks? — my former love asked angrily when we met.
— Hey, Emily, — I said, looking at her. She hadn’t changed at all… — I’ve got something important to talk about.
— And what’s that?
I practically forced them to sit on the couch. James wasn’t exactly friendly either, but I wasn’t stopping now and started talking:
— Do you remember what we promised each other? Come on! About honesty! Remember? You see, — I turned to James, — we made a vow: if we ever fell out of love, we wouldn’t hide it. We’d say it straight out, end it cleanly, no dragging it out and torturing each other.
— And? — my friend blinked nervously.
— That’s the thing. I had to find Emily to tell her I’ve fallen in love with another woman, and we want to get married. But I had to postpone the wedding because I hadn’t kept my promise yet. Now my conscience is clear! And for that fight, please forgive me, okay?
They exchanged a strange look.
— What’s with you two? — I asked. — Something wrong?
— Everything’s fine, — Emily bit her lip.
James answered:
— Why didn’t you tell me everything from the start?
— What? — I asked, surprised.
It turned out James found Emily quickly, went to her place, and instantly knew she was the woman of his life, though he couldn’t explain why. Somehow, they met again the next day. And then again. And again. His conscience protested at first, but it couldn’t fight his strong feelings. Waking up each morning, his first thought was of her. He’d go to work, sit at his desk, but couldn’t focus. He even saw himself through her eyes. What was he supposed to do? Had he just stolen his friend’s girl? That’s low! Happiness, it seems, comes with a price. He hesitated for a long time but finally called me.
— I’m worried about Tom. How do I tell him? — James had feared. — How do you explain love? Ugh, goodbye, friend… He won’t forgive me.
— Maybe he will, — Emily said mysteriously.
And then they came to my place…
— I’m really happy for you guys, — I said. — Will you at least come to my wedding?
They smiled warmly.
— Of course, — James said. — But with my fiancée. You don’t mind, do you? — he took Emily’s hand.
— Not at all, I give you my blessing! — I replied.
And then we all laughed together.
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