Page 44 of When Love Is Unexpected

"Tell me," says Loren.

"You know how much I missed him," I say. "Now that he's back, I don't know that I can stand to see him leave my life again."

"Does he know how you feel?"

"I don't know how I feel. My life is about to change drastically in a few months. My relationship with Eric never took flight because I didn't have time for him."

"But you made time for Sam. Somehow, you made it possible."

"If I ask him to stay and then neglect him, I'll lose him."

"If you let him leave again, you might lose him anyway."

"We're good friends, Loren. I'm not sure if I'm willing to jeopardize our friendship for a what-if."

"What's that what-if in your mind?"

"What if Sam is the one."

"Laila, there's only one way to find out."

"How? I don't know how."

"You'll be with him and his family for over a month. Use this time to be with the man, not just the friend."

"Everyone's telling me the same thing," I say. "Including Mom."

"So, what's the problem?"

"Sam isn't cooperating."

"What do you mean?" she asks.

"He told me he'd rather have me as a friend for sixty years than try to be more and lose what we have. I'm afraid, too. I suck at being a girlfriend. Just ask Eric."

The phone starts ringing. "Speaking of," I say, showing Loren the caller ID.

"Are you going to answer it?" she asks.

"Do you think I should?"

"If you want to, go ahead," she says, getting up from the couch. "I'm going to check in on Holly. She's been with the guys for a long time. They probably have her hammering something by now."

"Hello," I say, watching Loren walk down the short hall leading to the laundry room and garage. From the back, you'd never know she's about to have a baby.

"Laila, I need to see you."

"Eric, I'm sorry, but that won't be possible."

"Why not?"

"Loren and Aaron are back in Cold Spring."

"I know," he says. "I was supposed to be there for their homecoming, remember?"

"Right. You're right. I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing," he says. "Please meet me. I have the keys to the house. I'd like you to go see it with me."

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