Page 34 of The Game She Hates

I still don’t think we can be friends, Zane.

Zane

You’ve said it from the beginning, but despite that, we’ve been getting along pretty great. Except for how abruptly you left yesterday. I thought we were having a good time together. I, for one, was.

That’s exactly the issue. I’m failing to stick to my decision, and before I know it, I’ll be in too deep.

Pearl

I gotta get ready for my client. Sorry about bailing tonight. Please see Dr. Lawson. Bye.

I silence my phone and place it in a drawer, resisting the temptation to check for Zane’s reply. With closed eyes and hands pressed to my face, I pray. “God, I know that Zane has found a place in my heart, but I don’t want to endure more pain. I trust that the man You have destined for me is someone who has walked faithfully with You for as long as I have, if not longer, and lives in alignment with Your will. I need a husband who is a spiritual leader and who understands the profound sacrifice You made on Calvary. Please guide me to this person.”

I finish up my nighttime routine in the bathroom, the sweet scent of vanilla and honey lingers in my freshly washed hair. I reach for a towel and lightly pat my skin dry, still feeling the faint dampness from the shower. I wrap the towel around my head and secure it in place to soak up the remaining moisture.

Suddenly, a noise echoes from the living room, stopping the hum I had going on. My heart skips a beat; it’s too early for Robyn to be back.

With a quick prayer, I step out of the bathroom.

Why is Robyn home early and leaning against the door like she lost someone?

“Hey, are you okay?” I ask, concerned. “I thought this week was supposed to be all work and no sleep?”

Robyn pushes herself off the door, her heavy handbag landing with a thud on the couch. “This guy took over my project. It’s going to be a slower week,” she replies, her pixie-like features contorted in frustration.

I join her on the couch, offering what comfort I can. “I’m sorry. How did he manage to take your project?”

“The CEO appointed him project manager, and initially, we were working on it together. But after last night, he basically didn’t sleep and pushed the project forward without me.”

“I know you hate when people do that. But, hey, at least you won’t have to run on two hours of sleep and espresso,” I say, trying to find the silver lining.

“That’s the only way I’ll ever become VP. Not all of us have marriage and family aspirations like you.” Her gaze drifts away.

I tenderly take both of her hands in mine. Her work always seems to hit her hard. I wish I could help her see that there’s more to life than just her career.

“You know, marriage and kids are a gift from the Lord, and He wants it for most of us,” I say softly.

“You said it, most, not all,” she counters. “I’m going to be like Paul. Marrying makes people lose focus on the things that are more important, and it gives power to another human over your life. Not exactly what I want out of this life.”

I pause for a moment, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my words. Some days, Robyn and I banter and debate over our differing perspectives on life, but on others, we sharpen each other like iron. And today, I believe that what she needs is the truth.

“You’re purposefully taking 1 Corinthians chapter 7 completely out of context to justify your biggest fear,” I gently explain. “Paul says being single is good for him because he was fully invested in doing God’s work around the clock. But we both know that’s not why you don’t want marriage.”

She rolls her eyes. She knows I’m right, even if she hates confronting the reason behind her aversion to marriage.

“Speaking of marriage, did you talk to Zane?” Hearing Robyn mention marriage and Zane in the same breath makes my heart skip. But I did tell her last night about my decision to distance myself from him before I fall for him completely. Maybe she thinks I want to marry him. After all, I’m known for loving commitment.

It just doesn’t love me the same.

“He texted, inviting us to his house tomorrow. Used you as bait, obviously.” Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.

“It really sucks that Zane Ortiz has to be in love with my best friend, and now I get to be involved in ditching him. My life is so hard.” She jerks her head backward in fake frustration. The change of subject seems to have lifted her spirits.

“He isn’t in love with me. He can’t be. We barely have anything in common,” I murmur, trying to convince myself as much. “And I guess this isn’t a good time to mention he wanted us to hang out with his friends Tyler and Carson,” I add hesitantly.

Robyn shoots up from the couch. “Stop it right now, Pearl Davis. My favorite trio? Are you sure you don’t want to break up with him, like, on Wednesday? I want to meet them so bad.” She puts a finger on her chin, as if she’s in deep thought. “Wait, not next week because you don’t want to do that before their game on Thursday. It’d be bad luck, and you cannot ruin their winning streak. Zane Ortiz needs to be on his A-game.”

“You really took this whole thing out of proportion, didn’t you. Break up? When did we become boyfriend and girlfriend in the first place?” I raise both my arms in exasperation.

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