To say I'm a wreck is an understatement. I am officially riddled with fear that everything Joey is doing is a total act. I do realize it seems a little far-fetched. I mean, what would he get out of it other than sex? I'm sure he doesn't need to put all this effort in with a guy like me to get some action, he could easily get anyone else. But my anxiety is too high to think that logically. My theory is he needs to make it appear like he's in a serious relationship, maybe for his public image or maybe it's to show his family or roommate, Luke.
I barely get a second away from my thoughts all day and then Joey calls me around six.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"You wanna get dinner?" he suggests.
"Mhm, not really hungry," I reply, making it difficult.
"Okay, how about a movie?"
"Not really into movies."
"Really?"
"Eh," I sigh, not making any effort to give a real response.
"Are you okay?" he asks.
"I'm great! How about your place?"
"Okay," he agrees.
When I get to Joey's apartment, he kisses me hello which I have to admit, I love, but I pretend I'm not impressed and walk inside.
"Luke here?" I inquire.
"No, why?" he answers.
I shrug.
"Have you told him about us?" I ask.
"No... not yet," he replies hesitantly.
"Why not?" I ask.
"Uh, I don't know, he's been busy - haven't seen him much I guess," he answers.
"What about your family?" I question him again.
"No - was I supposed to tell everyone right away?" he chuckles nervously.
That is not adding up with my plan. Then again, he originally only suggested places in public so it must be the public image, for his career.
"No, I'm just curious," I state plainly.
I avoid eye contact, but hear him walk over to me.
"Uh, look... I've never really done this before," he says sincerely.
I finally look at him.
"What?"
"A real relationship... I mean, at least since high school, but I don't think Angela counts," he smiles shyly.
Hearing him speak so genuinely makes me feel awful, trying to catch him in some act. Of course, I like him - too much - of course I want this to be real. But how can I know for sure?
"That's okay," I speak nicely now.
"So, you want me to tell everyone? Cause I will," he offers sweetly.
"No, I mean, there's no rush... I have to be honest, I'm nervous - about you," I admit.
He looks concerned by this.
"Why?"
"I mean your past... it still seems a little crazy to me, you'd finally decide to settle for a guy like me," I speak honestly.
He takes my hand in his and looks at me very earnestly.
"Hey, I'm not settling. I really like you Chandler, that's why I want to change... you made me want to change," he reveals.
I'm speechless from his words. He leans in and leaves a gentle kiss on my lips.
"Okay, I believe you," I whisper.
"Good, I hope so," he smiles.
"So, wanna get dinner now?" I offer, feeling much more relaxed.
"I thought you weren't hungry?"
"I got my appetite back," I shrug.
"Great, cause I'm starving. What are you in the mood for?" he asks.
"You," I smirk.
"Chandler, is that sex talk?" he gasps kiddingly.
"We're not in public," I grin.
"So, what first... real food or me?" he leans into my lips again and I kiss him back, wrapping my arms around his neck as he wraps his arms around me.
"Mhm, it's hard to say no to you," I hum as I plant another kiss on him.
Then, I hear a low stomach growl. He draws back with an innocent smile.
"Could we do food first?" he asks.
I laugh.
"Yeah."
The next day, I stop over at Monica's and Rachel's apartment where Ross and Phoebe are hanging out as well.
"How'd your date with Joey go?" Monica asks with concern in her voice.
"It went really good. We talked and I think he's serious... you know, about being serious," I tell them.
Monica seems to force a smile.
"Okay, that's great Chandler," she says.
"You don't believe me?" I question.
"I'm just scared you're going to get hurt," she frowns.
The rest of my friends crowd around the kitchen table now.
"Okay, what if you guys meet him?" I suggest.
Everyone looks at one another and shrugs.
"That seems fair," Ross responds.
"I can judge him alright, I can see right through people," Phoebe states.
"Okay it's a plan," I determine.
"Oh my god, this is so exciting!" Rachel suddenly exclaims, clapping happily.
"Rachel, this is not your chance to ask him a million questions about the show. This is for Chandler," Monica warns her.
Rachel sighs loudly.
"But he gets to ask him all the time!" Rachel whines.
"And I do," I kid.
Rachel gasps at my response.
"Really! Have you asked if Sally wakes up from her coma? Or or is Eric on the show single?" Rachel spills, rushing over to me.
"You know what, how about I ask Joey to get you a part on the show?" I reply sarcastically, but Rachel is too enthused to catch the sarcasm.
"Are you serious, Chandler?!"
I shake my head no and I've never seen Rachel look so disappointed.