Chapter Text
Ali was enjoying a quiet brunch with her friends. Whitney was seated next to her while the newly engaged couple, Abby and Sarah, sat across the table. Sarah and Ali got to know one another through working together at the hospital. Ali then quickly became friends with Sarah’s now fiancée Abby and their friend Whitney. Abby owns her own sports apparel store, and Whitney helps her manage it. The quiet clatter of the café was a nice contrast compared to the sometimes nerve-wracking work she did as a nurse.
“So Ali, when do you think you’re going to get back on the dating scene?” Abby inquired, “I mean it’s been like a good seven months.”
Sarah jabbed Abby in the ribs, “Don’t listen to her, Ali. You take your time.”
Ali smiled as she shook her head, “It’s fine; it was a mutual breakup. I’ve thought about it, getting back to the dating scene, I just don’t know where to start.”
“Easy,” Whitney started with a sly smile, “You go to a bar, see someone you like, and start up a conversation. You’re hot with a wild smile, who would say no to you?”
Ali giggled as Abby threw her napkin at Whitney, “If it’s so easy then why didn’t you bring a date to this brunch?”
Whitney leaned back into her chair and laughed, “I’m not looking for a relationship, and I had to accompany my single friend,” Whitney answered Abby while motioning towards Ali, “Anyways, I’m still young, unlike Ali over here. Let come what comes.”
Ali rolled her eyes at her younger friend, “Whatever, Shakespeare,” and looked at Sarah for guidance, “How did you and Abby meet?”
“Mutual friend,” Sarah smiled as shed reflected on her memories before elaborating, “Whit’s best friend to be more specific.”
Whitney nodded with a sad smile, “Ashlyn and I went to college at UNC together. After we graduated, she went off to the Marines. We worked at Abby’s shop during the summers. That’s how Sarah and Abby got to know each other. Sarah came into the store every so often and Abby developed a crush on her. So one day, Ashlyn asked Sarah to go on a date with Abby and yeah, here we are now.”
Ali watched as Sarah and Abby shared a look of love. Abby then broke the stare as she turned to speak to Ali, “Come to think of it, Ali, I think that you and Ashlyn would make a pretty good couple.” Whitney and Sarah nodded in agreement after a moment of thinking.
“This is her last deployment,” Whitney added, “Maybe we could have you two meet when she comes back.”
Ali let out an uneasy smile and shrugged, “Um, sure. Yeah, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to meet her.”
Sarah gave her an encouraging smile, “Ashlyn’s a complicated person, but she’s an amazing human being, period. Even if things don’t work out between the two of you, you can bet she’ll be there as a friend.”