Page 107 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Alrighty.”

‘Violet, you’re embarrassing the poor guy.’

I sighed, knowing Chris was right, but I was a worrier by nature.

“Don’t stay out in the sun again. I don’t need a heart attack,” I chastised, trying to stand.

Chris was instantly at my side with the crutches in hand.

“You got it,” Elim said sheepishly.

We went back down to the office, and I could tell something had Chris in a grumpy mood. He was back to doing crossword puzzles and grunting whenever I asked questions. Finally, while we were eating lunch, I asked, “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.”

“Chris, you’re being grumpy.”

“I am not.”

“Okay,” I let it go and continued to eat my chicken and baked potato.

“You really like him,” Chris mumbled a few minutes later.

“Who?”

“Elim,” Chris said, unable to look at me.

“He’s our friend.”

“It feels like more.”

“It isn’t. Chris, Elim knows about us already.”

That got his attention and brought him to finally meet my eyes.

“You told him?”

“Of course I did. Why wouldn’t I?” I asked, pulling out my phone and texting Bells to come see me.

“I—”

“Chris, I’m not interested in Elim that way. I told you. I just want you.”

“I thought—”

“In fact. Wait a second.”

“What am I—”

A knock interrupted his words and he stood and answered the door. Bells walked inside, a confused look on both of their faces.

“What’s up?”

“Bells, Chris and I are dating.”

“Oh! Yay! Okay! That’s great!” Bells looked happy, while Chris’ jaw was on the floor. “Congrats, big guy!”

“Umm...” Chris was speechless, blushing and unsure of what was happening.

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