Page 75 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

Allison’s confusion deepened as Amira’s laughter finally subsided. “What do you mean, ‘trouble’? I’m just… it’s just… I don’t know what it is.”

Amira shook her head, a knowing smile still playing on her lips. “Soniye, you’re falling for him. And from what you’ve just told me, he might be falling for you too.”

Allison’s heart skipped a beat. “No, no way. He’s just being considerate. Maybe he feels responsible because of…” She trailed off, unconsciously placing a hand on her belly.

Amira raised an eyebrow, her expression turning serious. “Considerate? Girl, that man is holding your hand during ultrasounds, checking up on you daily, and nearly kissing you against a car.Twice. That’s more than just ‘considerate.”

Allison bit her lip, her thoughts a jumbled mess. Amira wasn’t wrong, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to believe it. Angelo was complicated. His hot and cold behavior left her questioning everything. Some days he was warm, almost tender, and then he’d pull back, like he was afraid of crossing some invisible line.

“I don’t know, Ami. He’s not exactly straightforward. One minute he’s sweet, and the next he’s distant. I don’t think I can handle being jerked around like that, especially not now.”

Amira leaned forward, her gaze intent. “Have you ever considered that maybe he’s just as confused as you are? That he’s trying to figure out his own feelings?”

Allison frowned, swirling her latté absentmindedly. “Maybe, but why can’t he just say that? Why all the mixed signals?”

“Because men are dumb,” Amira said bluntly, making Allison snort despite herself. “Seriously, though. Angelo might be trying to keep things professional or protect himself from getting hurt. Or maybe he’s just scared. You two are in a pretty unique situation. It’s not every day you find out you’re going to be a father, especially under your circumstances.”

Allison sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to sort through her emotions. “It’s just… it’s so much. Everything is changing so fast. And then there’s my father and the business, and I’m scared, Ami. I’m scared of what happens next.”

Amira’s expression softened, and she reached across the table to squeeze Allison’s hand. “You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Take it one day at a time. And as for Angelo, maybeyou should talk to him. Really talk to him. Clear the air, set boundaries if you need to, or see if there’s something more there.”

Allison nodded, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. The idea of confronting Angelo about his behavior filled her with both dread and a strange, fluttery anticipation. What if he pulled away for good? But what if Amira was right, and he was just as confused as she was?

“I’ll think about it,” Allison finally said, squeezing her friend’s hand back. “But let’s not talk about me anymore. What about you? What’s going on in your life?”

Amira rolled her eyes, but the smile returned to her face. “Oh, you know, the usual. Work is crazy, my mom’s trying to set me up with the son of one of her friends again—like that’s ever going to happen—and I’m just trying to keep my sanity intact.”

Allison chuckled, grateful for the shift in focus. “Sounds like your mom is still on her matchmaking crusade.”

“You have no idea. She’s relentless. But enough about that. I want to hear more about Angelo. What do your brothers think of him?”

Allison hesitated, the conversation veering back into dangerous territory. “Only John knows, and I’ve sworn him to secrecy. He’s been too busy with work and his own love life—did you know hefinallybroke up with Susan?”

Amira gasped in delight. “No way! That nosy bitch who—”

“Who always sniffed everything, yes!”

They both burst in laughter at the memory of the ridiculous woman.

Allison kept chortling as she said, “Leo is being his usual self, surfing the waves in LA. And Freddie is still with that God-awful Christine.” Her friend stopped laughing slowly. “Seriously, what is up with my brothers’ taste in women?”

Amira shrugged, a tiny smile still on her face as she scoffed. “Beats me. Anyways, the guys don’t know?”

“No,” Allison shook her head, “I want to tell them myself.”

Amira smirked. “So, they don’t know about the car incident?”

“No, and I’d like to keep it that way. They can be a little intense when it comes to me.”

Amira laughed. “A little? That’s an understatement. Your brothers would probably go full-on protective mode if they ever found out.”

“Exactly,” Allison agreed. “And the last thing I need right now is all three of them storming into Angelo’s office demanding answers.”

Amira’s laughter was contagious, and soon Allison found herself joining in. The tension from earlier melted away, replaced by the familiar warmth of their friendship. For a moment, the weight of her complicated feelings about Angelo lifted, and she allowed herself to just enjoy the company of her best friend.

They spent the next half hour catching up on everything from work dramas to the latest gossip, and by the time they finished their drinks and pastries, Allison felt lighter, as if the heavy burden she’d been carrying had been eased, if only for a little while.

As they walked out ofStacy’stogether, Amira looped her arm through Allison’s. “Just remember, babe, you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this.”

---