#Chapter 10 No Substitutions

I could not believe how much the man’s eyes looked like Andrew’s. I wondered, for a moment, if maybe there were other ways in which he might be like Andrew. Then I shook myself out of that thought and returned the phone to Julia. “No, thank you. I’m fine.” Julia shrugged and took her phone back. “All right. If you change your mind, just let us know.” “I’m sure that Pete would love to go out with a girl like you,” Robert added. I smiled, though it was a bit forced. “Thanks, again, but no thanks.” “I think you should give it a try,” Susan urged her. “No!” I told her firmly. “I don’t need a substitute.” •* * That night, while I was at home relaxing and watching TV, I got a video call from Lily. “Hi, Lily. How’re things going?” I asked, muting the TV and lying back on the arm of the couch. “Great. How are things at the store?” “Fantastic. Lisa and Bob’s wedding is really coming along.” “That’s great. You haven’t killed anyone?” I laughed. “No, not ye