No, you won’t help

“Sorry, Liz, but tomorrow isn’t good for me. And even it if was, I don’t think I can commit to the next few weeks anyway.”

It isn’t exactly a lie since you do have plenty of projects on your to-do list. As well as other invitations that you could change from a Maybe to a Yes.

Liz’s disappointment is immediately apparent.

“Crap. I was really counting on your help with this. But I get it. It’s a lot to ask, especially without much notice. Thanks anyway, Connor. I gotta go.”

The call ends before you can even form a response in your head. You roll the idea around to see if you were too hasty. Sure, you were just complaining about feeling stuck. But living vicariously through your friend doesn’t feel like an actual solution to that. Besides, Liz isn’t the only person who can be bold and try new things. This could be just the kick in the pants you need.

Why not commit the same amount of time to your own new thing? You can start with just one hour each weekend. When you find something you like you can carve out even more time for it. How hard could that be? Probably the only difficult part would be choosing what that activity it will be. You start to rattle off ideas as you head back to the kitchen to crack open a drink. You make yourself dinner while considering hobbies to try, places to visit in the city, old friends to catch up with, and getting around to your bucket list.

Well, you’d need to write an actual bucket list first.

You do have one other thought, though, that keeps on tickling at the back of your mind. What is she doing?

She was pretty light on the details about this performance. Is there a reason? Even if she was already halfway out the door she could have at least given you an idea of the type of performance. Is it singing? Acting? Dancing? Rhythmic gymnastics?

And why was she counting on you specifically?

You could always ask her directly, but that feels like salt in the wound. Like you’re interested enough to ask her what it is but not so interested that you can help out. No, if you want to know more you’ll have to do your own digging.

As you get into bed later that night you make your decision.