Page 118 of Not That Into You

I roll my eyes. “Yes.”

“Then you know how to talk to them. It’s not like we discuss quantum mechanics or the mysteries of the universe. It’s just small talk. Like in the Hamptons.”

I frown. “This would be different. There’s more on the line.” I narrow my eyes. “And that wasn’t exactly fun in the Hamptons.”

“Monica.” He chuckles while shaking his head. “Of course it wasn’t fun. Schmoozing is never fun.”

“You’re really selling it, Cameron.”

“Look.” He takes my hand. “These types of dinners can be tedious and boring, which is why I need you. It would be easier with you by my side.”

My heart skips a beat, and for a moment, I let myself forget the bullshit with his family and imagine what our relationship would be like if it were as simple as Cameron needing me and me supporting him.

I take a deep breath and come back to reality. As much fun as we’ve had this past week, it won’t last. He needs someone who won’t cause more problems with his family. He needs someone who belongs in his world.

And right now, I need to focus on my parents.

I slowly remove my hand from his grip. “I can’t. My mom’s surgery is on Friday. I’m flying home on Wednesday.”

He frowns. “On Wednesday? Can’t you fly home on Thursday?”

“I’ve already got my plane tickets.”

“Can’t you change them?”

“I told my dad I’d be there to help get things in order and make sure my mom has everything she needs.”

He looks away.

“I need to be there to support my parents, Cameron.”

“I know, and I understand. But...” He looks down at his lap before looking back up and taking both of my hands in his. “What if I buy you a plane ticket? For Thursday?”

“Cameron...”

“No, listen. I know you need to support your parents, and I respect that. But this dinner is really important, and I need you. Can’t we compromise? I don’t mind paying for a plane ticket if it means having you with me.”

I swallow down a wave of guilt. “This is my mom, Cameron. She’s having surgery.”

“On Friday.”

“Yes, on Friday.” Taking a deep breath, I tamp down my irritation. I planned to go food shopping and cook on Thursday to stock up my parents’ fridge. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

He pulls back, blanking his face. “Right.”

I take a steadying breath, pissed he’s making me feel guilty. I told him my parents were my priority. I told him I needed to focus on my mom right now. “You’re not being fair.”

His brows wing up. “I’m not being fair?”

“Yes. You knew my mom’s surgery was this week. You know I’m going home. I can’t be in two places at once. I need to be with my family.”

“I’m not asking you to skip the surgery, Monica. I’ll get you the first flight out of LaGuardia on Thursday. I just need...” He shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair. “Fuck. Never mind.”

“I don’t appreciate you guilting me.”

“I’m not guilting you.” He stands up and paces toward the windows, his hands on his hips. “I just...” He shakes his head. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed.”

I stand up, my arms folded across my chest. “We agreed this was just casual, Cameron.”

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