Page 70 of Reel Love

Ugh.

No. No. It’s okay. I just have to think about it a minute.

Can I be totally honest with you?he asks.

I would hope so.

I’ve been thinking about you a lot since I found out you’re here on Marbella. Wondering if you’re someone I know or have seen. It’s distracting. So, I talked to a few friends—close friends, only a few of them—and they said I should go for it and ask you. So, this is what I get for listening to my guy friends. I wasn’t sure. Two of them are far bolder than I am. One is a bit more reserved, but even he thought I ought to ask. Please know there’s no pressure. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.

You don’t. Can I have a few minutes? I’ll be right back.

Man. I really blew it, didn’t I?

No. Not at all. I just need to think this through.

Going to call a friend?

I laugh.Basically, yes.

Go for it. I’ll be here. And … one more thing.

Yeah?

Call the friend that will tell you to say yes.

I can’t help but smile.I’ll take that under advisement.

I swipe my phone so the app lifts and my keypad is on the screen. Then I press Brigitte’s contact.

She answers on the first ring. “Yes. Yes. I had a smoothie, Mom. I feel much better, thank you.”

I chuckle. “I’m not calling to ask if you had the smoothie. I figured you would.”

“What are you calling for? Wait …” There’s a ruffling sound, then she says, “It’s eight thirty. You usually text if it’s this late. Are you sick? Do you need me to rally some remedies and have them shipped to you by drone drop? Did someone unearth your location? Is your mom flipping out about yet another detail for these interviews? No. No. She’d call me if she were. Ummm …”

“If you give me a minute, I’ll actually tell you so you don’t have to guess.”

“Good. Great. That’s a good idea. So?”

“So … that guy on the word game?”

“The one you found out lives on your island?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah?”

“He wants to take me to dinner.”

“Um. Yes!”

“Wait. You don’t even know who he is. Shouldn’t I ask for a photo or something? Have him sign an NDA? Get him screened?”

“Are you planning on going to his house?”

“Definitely not.”

“You’ll meet him in public?”

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