Page 33 of The Game She Hates

Yesterday, when he taught me how to stain a table, was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever shared with anyone, and it wasn’t even a date. In fact, I have no business doing anything romantic with that guy.

According to the unspoken rules of whatever this is between us, we’re not even supposed to be hanging out. How am I supposed to maintain any semblance of composure around someone who turns my knees to jelly with just a smile?

Whenever Zane looks at me, it’s as if time slows to a crawl, and I’m left gasping for air like a fish out of water. He is kind, he smells amazing, he can cook—basically, he’s a walking list of all the things women want in a man.

All this swooning shouldn’t blind me from the glaring truth that we’re unequally yoked, and I need to distance myself from him, pronto. It’s a deal breaker for me, and the last thing I want is for him to turn into another Clay.

Maybe he’s the type to recite the sinner’s prayer just to win me over for a fling.

And while the thought of only a fling with him breaks my heart, I’ve done enough digging to know his track record with relationships. They rarely last more than a few months, if that, and who’s to say he’s not already entangled in one on the down-low? No, thank you. I refuse to get caught up in that kind of mess.

The fact that I finally managed to get him a referral to a sports counselor I went to school with is a sign that I’ve fulfilled my purpose in his life. This must be the only reason why God allowed our paths to cross.

My phone chimes with a new message. It’s Zane.

Zane

Dinner at my house tomorrow? Let Robyn know. I’ll have a few friends over. Tell her it’s Tyler and Carson. She’ll be thrilled.

Pearl

Robyn doesn’t get home ’til after dinner. She has a busy week.

Zane

You’re still welcome to come.

Pearl

Not a good idea. What am I going to talk about with a bunch of hockey players?

Zane

You and I communicate okay, don’t we? Actually, you’ll find more common ground with them than you do with me.

Pearl

Are you saying I’ll like your friends more than I like you?

Zane

Sweet P. Are you telling me you like me? If so, I think a confession like that deserves more than just a text message.

I deserve a punch in the face for that. Why am I flirting with Zane? This isn’t the pep talk I’ve been giving myself.

It has to end now.

Pearl

Listen. I found a sports counselor for you. Dr. Lawson is great. I personally know him from my college days. You will like him. P.S. He is a believer; not sure how much of his faith is woven into his practice, but I thought you needed to know.

Zane

Is this a yes, you like me and you found me a counselor? Or no, you don’t, so you found me a counselor so I never have to talk to you again?

Why is Zane pushing all the buttons today? Goodness.

Pearl

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