Alice wasn't sure what to think. Keeley's confident assertion that best friends could be lovers had given her pause. Roger was her best friend, but did she harbor romantic feelings for him?

He was attractive, though his handsomeness differed from her ex-husband's. Brock's looks were flashy; Roger's were more understated.

She clearly cared for him deeply, judging by her upset over his departure the previous night. But was it friendship, or something more? She'd initially attributed her distress to their close friendship.

Roger had never judged, pried, or done anything she found uncomfortable. He was unfailingly kind and had been there for her since helping his sister move furniture—a day that marked the beginning of their close bond.

Throughout the tumultuous changes in her life, he had been a constant, the most dependable person she knew. But was that love?

Alice realized she was getting ahead of herself. She wasn't even sure he liked her; her assumptions were purely conjecture. She needed to talk to him, but wasn't sure what to say. Seeking a second opinion first seemed prudent, to avoid making a fool of herself and losing the most important person in her life.

As Keeley enjoyed her crepe, Alice texted Marissa: "Does your brother like anyone?"

The reply arrived three minutes later, as Alice worked on her own crepe: "Why do you ask?"

Alice decided to be honest. Marissa was a friend who would keep the conversation confidential.

"I'm wondering if I have a chance with him."

Alice couldn't find a better way to phrase it. She didn't want to admit her uncertainty about her own feelings, and hoped to gather information to make an informed decision.

Marissa replied, "Hang on, since when are you interested in Roger?!"

"It's a recent development," Alice texted wryly. She hadn't considered him romantically until minutes before.

Marissa responded, "Alice Wheatley, we need to talk about this, but I'm swamped lately."

Alice sighed. That wasn't an answer.

"Does he like anyone or not?"

Marissa replied quickly: "I thought it was obvious, but I'll spell it out: Roger never helps me move furniture. Do with that what you will."

Alice frowned, processing this information. How could Marissa say he never helped when that's how they'd become close? Oh. OH! He must have come to see her!

The realization struck her: he had liked her all along. It had been so long ago, and he'd barely known about her divorce then.

All this time, his kindness had stemmed from his feelings for her? How was she supposed to process that?

Checking her phone, she saw the time. She needed to leave in five minutes to change for work. Quickly finishing her crepe, she told Keeley she had to go.

"Do you feel better?" her friend asked.

Alice honestly wasn't sure. She felt more confused, yet a hopeful flicker stirred within her. She couldn't define it.

Avoiding the question, she simply said, "Yes," and hurried off to work.

Keeley smiled, placing her children in their stroller. "Good. You deserve to be happy, Alice. Don't let the past hold you down."

Keeley's words resonated deeply. Alice could only nod.

Her friend dropped her off at the tour office. Alice thanked her for the food and advice, then shook off her confusing thoughts. She needed to focus on the French-speaking tourists.

Unfortunately, Alice struggled to concentrate. Her mind wandered constantly, though her familiarity with the tour allowed her to perform adequately.

During her fifteen-minute break, she finally had time to think. Practically speaking, a relationship with Roger would be beneficial.

While unsure of her feelings, she knew his character. Alice was certain he wouldn't let her down like Brock had. She enjoyed his company and felt comfortable around him, just as Keeley had described.

At twenty-seven and divorced, she wanted to remarry and have children within the next few years. Roger seemed like a good prospect. Would it be so bad to be with her best friend, even if she wasn't in love with him yet?

She'd fallen in love with Brock because she felt she should. Could she do the same with Roger? But would it be fair to either of them? Using Roger felt wrong; he deserved better.

Perhaps she could explain that she was still healing and uncertain, but that he was the most important person in her life. He could then decide whether to accept her as she was.

The prospect terrified her. The wrong words could cost her the person she cared about most. Letting things drift and maintaining their friendship would be easier, but not the kindest approach. He deserved the truth.

The extraneous promotional material at the end was removed.