Page 20 of When Love Is Unexpected

"Just a friend," I echoed.

"You know what I mean," she said. "You're the only male friend I've had in a long time."

"Why is that?" I asked.

She looked away like she was searching for an answer.

"Well," she began, "I've tried being friends with men, but it never ends well. Even those who were real friends and genuinely liked me as a person ended their friendship with me the moment their significant others felt threatened. That includes my gay friend, Connor. His boyfriend made him choose. Connor chose him, and I got dumped. That was in tenth grade. I was devastated."

"I don't think you realize the effect you have on people," I said.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I can see why women would feel threatened by you. And why most men would want to be more than friends."

"Which proves my point," she said. "You're different."

"I'm really not," I said. "I think falling in love with you would be the easiest thing in the world for any man, including me."

She didn't say anything, but her eyes filled with tears.

She looked vulnerable. I wanted to make her feel better, but I didn't know how. I wanted to kiss away the hurt and disappointment. When another tear streamed down her face, I kissed her cheek. The tear on my lips did nothing to extinguish the emotion welling up inside me—time stood still. I could almost hear our hearts beating rhythmically together. My face was so close to hers that I could feel her warm breath on my cheek. One slight tilt to the side and our lips would've met. When she touched my arm, I expected her to push me away. Instead, she moved her hand up my arm to my shoulder until it reached the back of my neck. When she pulled me closer, I reached up and gently pulled her hand away and brought it to my lips.

"It's getting late," I said.

"I don't want to leave," she said. "It hurts to know you won't be here tomorrow."

"I'll call you as soon as I can," I said.

What time is your flight?"

"Eleven," I said. "I'm leaving at seven."

"Please let me drive you," she said, sniffling.

"We talked about this," I said. "Zoe is driving me to the airport."

She crossed her arms and glared at me.

"I thought it would be easier for both of us if you didn't go," I said.

At that moment, so many emotions crossed her face that I didn't know what to say, but like the total imbecile that I am, I said, "Let me walk you to the door," effectively wounding her feelings and her pride with one short, dismissive statement.

When we both stepped outside, she lunged at me and hugged me tight. I hugged her back. Neither of us wanted to break the connection and say goodbye. When our bodies finally separated a few inches, she kept one arm wrapped around my neck and a hand flat on my chest.

"I can feel your heartbeat," she said.

I kissed her on the forehead one last time and said goodnight. Watching her walk away was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I wanted to run after her, wrap my arms around her, and kiss her, but I let her go, and she let me go.

Chapter 5

Laila

As I get ready for dinner, I try not to think about my last conversation with Eric. I don't want it to ruin my mood. I change into a slate blue puff-sleeve blouse, skinny blue jeans, and brown leather ankle boots with three-inch heels. Heels I could never wear when I went out with Eric. My hair has decided to rebel against me today, so I'm letting it do its thing. Long curls framing my face will have to do. A chunky silver necklace with matching earrings completes the ensemble.

I look up when Mom enters my room and asks, "Are you ready to talk about it?"

"Sam and I ran into Eric this morning when we were jogging."

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