Page 59 of I Love You in French

I am tired at this part of the story, so I sit back down and keep my gaze focused on the floor. “It was like I forgot everything bad in my life just at the sight of her. If I had told her my last name then, I would have felt like I was cheating. Like if she knew who I really was, I wouldn’t have earned it. I wouldn’t have known that she truly liked me for me and not because of my family or the fact that Paris was home for a long time.” I try to add a lighthearted touch. “I could’ve used that to my advantage, you know.”

Graham sees through my bull. “Oh, I know. Good thing you’re too upstanding of a guy.”

I scoff lightly. “It felt dishonest. But now, because she doesn’t know everything about me, I still feel dishonest.”

Graham stands to his feet and rolls up his sleeves while he looks out the window, still thinking. Always thinking. “I get that. I do.”

I nod with relief, and he holds up his hand.

“However,” he starts, and I pick up my guitar to attempt to do something again with my racing mind. I’m really going to have to go for a run or something to help with this chaos. “How can she like you for you if you don’t actually tell her who you really are?”

My hand slips on my guitar with a scratching sound that makes us wince. He sure knows how to punch someone with his words.

“You made your decision with the knowledge you had at the time. But if she doesn’t know all of you, then I don’t think it’s love at all.”

I know he’s right. But I also don’t miss how his jaw tightens, as if he knows from experience. “G, what happened to you?”

I see a flash of fear cross over his features. I’ve never seen a crack in his armor. He’s always the polished one, the clever one. He says everything straightforward and matter-of-factly. He’s funny if you can get enough time with him to wear down his stoicism. I didn’t think it was possible for him to have a secret he hasn’t told me, and I realize how much I’ve missed him. He’s been my best friend even though we haven’t lived in the same place since we both lived in LA. He’s been the one I could turn to—clearly, since I’m now living in his apartment, staying here until I figure my life out. He told me to come here, no questions asked, and he’s always been that way with me.

“Another time,” is all he says before focusing back on me. “Seems to me that you know something needs to change if you think Sparrow is worth it.” I nod aggressively, and he nods back. We’re on the same page. “Ok, so what are you going to do about it?”

“I don’t know. Telling her of my true heritage right now, after all that’s happened between us, just doesn’t seem like enough.”

Graham crosses his arms in the stance I’ve seen him use when he means business. “You need to make a move.”

“Well, I kind of did . . .”

He raises his brows. “A kiss isn’t enough.”

“You weren’t there. Not that I would’ve wanted you there, but this was not a normal kiss. I can’t ... words aren’t enough.” I don’t even hide the grin on my face. It was the best moment of my life, and I’m not ashamed of it.

“Wow. You two kiss one time, and the musician and lyricist is stumped.”

I nod enthusiastically before I realize I look like a teenage boy and not like the man who needs to make the next move. “It was more than once.” I’m grinning like a lovesick fool. But then I think of leaving or, worse, Sparrow choosing Jacques when I leave after all ... because he’ll be here. “Graham?”

He uncrosses his arms.

“I’ve never loved like this before,” I admit.

Graham rubs his chin with his hand and then pauses, a sad smirk on his face.

“What do I do? How do I make this right?”

He stands and walks toward the door. It’s only when he’s halfway through that he turns to look over his shoulder. I motion for him to tell me whatever is on his mind and immediately regret it when I hear his next words. “Are you still leaving?”

I nod briefly. I have to go, even if it’s just to Nashville for a bit.

“Then tell her. Oh, and you remember she has a best friend, right?”

I think of Lily and her fierceness for Sparrow and sink deeper, hoping the sound of the door shutting behind Graham isn’t a sign for what’s to come.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sparrow

“I love you, but there’s no way I’m letting you leave the house like this.”

She gestures to my outfit and slinks onto my couch, her legs draped over the side and her head propped on a pillow. Lily lifts one hand higher up in the air, her fingers holding a glass of rosé that swirls as she speaks.

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