Page 77 of Secret Love

“I missed seeing Earl…since we met at school instead of the house…”

I don’t say anything but file that away for later. Maybe keeping things quiet won’t have to last very long.

I want to call Tru. I'm tempted to stop by her house, but I don't. I’m trying to take things slowly, which is what I think she wants. But damn, it's hard. When I get home from dropping the girls off, Tru texts, and I feel like a kid because I'm so excited and relieved to be hearing from her.

Tru

Things went well with Cassidy today.

Cassidy thought so too, and I'm really glad you also felt that way. She reiterated again how much she likes you, and she's sorry for being mean, which I told her she's not. She's just human, and this is a weird situation, but I think she's already softening toward the idea. I really do.

Tru

I’m so glad to hear that. We had a productive day, and I think it's a good move to keep working at the school for now. I told her I was sorry she saw anything that might make her uncomfortable and she turned bright red and said she’s totally fine. I don’t fully buy that, but we both did our best to act normal, and by the end of our session, it felt close to it! But I do miss seeing your face. So much.

Not as much as I miss seeing yours. You're welcome over here anytime. You know that, right?

Tru

Yeah, I do. And believe me, I'm so tempted. But I’m just trying to pace myself, you know? I haven’t had many nights like the one we had, Henley. Zero, if you want the truth. And another true confession: I’ve been lonely for a long time, but I don’t feel that way as much now that I’m here. But I don’t want to lose myself in us. I’ve seen that with my mom and dad’s relationship my whole life, and I don’t want to follow that path.

Give yourself credit, tiny dancer. You’re much too independent and wise for that to happen, and I’m too in awe of who you are to let that become us. There’s no rush. I want to be with you and learn everything about you, but we can take all the time you need.

Tru

Has anyone told you you’re the best man ever?

Nope.

Tru

Wait. I feel like maybe I’ve told you this before.

Not today you haven’t.

Tru

Okay, Mr. Football Player.

I set my phone down, smiling…something I’ve done a lot of since Friday night, despite how things went haywire afterward.

I can't help but feel like things are gonna work out with us. The fact that I'm excited about someone is huge. I didn't think I would get invested in a relationship ever again really. The fact that I’m feeling all these feelings….it’s just fun.

I laugh out loud at myself and take a long shower after I’ve worked out.

The guys start texting one by one, checking in to see how things went with Cassidy and Tru this afternoon. When I’m in bed, I text them back.

It went well. Cassidy and Tru both said so. I think things are gonna be okay, guys. Thanks for hanging out with me this weekend and walking me through it.

Penn

You're always there for us and we’ll always be here for you too.

Bowie

What Penn said.

Rhodes

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