Page 124 of Not That Into You

“Um... I didn’t really say anything. I’d prefer to wait until I get back and see how it goes.”

“Oh my god. You shut the conversation down with sex, didn’t you.”

I give her a guilty look.

“Monica!”

“What?”

She shakes her head. “You’re impossible. You’ve basically already let him in, so just let him in!”

“I kind of already did last night.”

“Monica!”

I laugh. “You walked into that one.”

“I’m serious.” She gives me a thoughtful look. “You know, in some ways, you’re just like your mom. You push people away when you’re feeling vulnerable.”

I frown. I don’t think that’s a fair comparison. I, at least, am capable of asking for help.

Of course, I can’t think of the last time I asked for help, but that doesn’t mean I push people away. I just don’t want to get hurt.

What if Cameron and I get serious, then he realizes I don’t fit into his life?

What if he realizes it was mistake?

I swallow before frowning at Claire. “Last week, you told me it wasn’t a good idea to pursue anything with Cameron.”

“Last week, I thought Cameron was only interested in sex. I could tell you were into him, and I knew you’d get hurt if your feelings were involved and his weren’t. But that’s not the case, right? His feelings are involved, too.” She leans forward with an earnest expression. “I just think you owe it to yourself to explore what you have together.”

I sigh. “But what if he changes his mind?”

“Monica, the guy is crazy about you. But even if he does change his mind, it’s a risk worth taking.”

“Speaking from experience?”

“Yes. You told me not to give up on Elliot.”

I frown. “That was different.”

When I told her not to give up on Elliot, it was after he found out she’d been lying to him about her identity. He was understandably angry—she pretended to be her roommate to get a temporary job as his assistant—but they’d been hot and heavy for a while by that point. She had her reasons for lying, and it was clear they really cared for each other.

Claire furrows her brow. “How was it different?”

“You two love each other.”

She stares at me. “Honey, I hate to break it to you, but I’d bet good money—heck, I’d bet this gift basket—that you and Cameron love each other.”

I cough, choking on a cracker. “What? No, we don’t.”

“You definitely act like it.”

I shake my head vigorously. “No, we don’t.” Swallowing, I add, “I think you’ve had too much champagne.”

She gives me a pitying look.

Before I can say anything else, Elliot walks out onto the terrace, a gray cat nestled in his arms. “I thought I might find you up here.”

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