Chris is always there for you no matter what.

Feeling sad? He's already at your apartment door with all kinds of snacks you love. Want that pretty overpriced jacket? His card is your card.

His generosity also included your stupid dates, which for some reason unknown to him you kept going on even though it was evident that they all ended up the same way. He was always there to pick you up, swallowing his own envy of the douchebags you chose.

Chris had no idea what attracted you to these young idiots when he's already here, knowing you better than the back of his own hand. He's older, more experienced and probably knows exactly how to treat a woman. You're just not sure if you've seen him with one over the years.

But his feelings, whatever they were, also didn't stop him from teasing you about it all the time; after all, your taste in guys was terrible and that was no mystery to anyone.

Was he only acting this way out of pure good intentions? The two of you have been friends for so long and he's just being a good pal, right? But no matter how many times you asked him, he always just brushed it off and dodged the subject like a true pro.

Today was no exception either, one disappointed text from you and Chris was already here on his sport car that you tease him about, ready to take you to the other end of the universe. The grip of his huge hand with its vivid veins is quite firm and confident, but also soft and reassuring. And yet somehow too friendly as well, not even giving you a chance to get your any hopes up.

He's older, more experienced, and probably knows exactly how to treat a woman. Yet you don't think you've ever seen him with one in all the years you've known him.

His large hand gently holds your wrist as you both walk to his car through the dark alley.

Friendly.

Not the way you'd like it to be.

"Maybe you should reflect on your taste in guys," Chris teases softly, giving you a quick glance.