Page 27 of The Love We Make

“Imani, please go. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself,” Nora slurred.

“It’ll be a while before she changes her mind,” Imani said as she called for a car. “She’s unbelievably stubborn like that.”

“I’ll make her down a few liters of water and everything will be okay. I promise.”

“Here we are,” Nora says, after Imani has left. “My chaperone’s finally left me alone.”

I pour us both a large glass of water and then lead by example by knocking most of it back.

Nora takes a few sips from hers, then asks, “Don’t you have anything stronger?” She looks around the kitchen. “Which one’s your booze cabinet again? I can serve myself. You put your feet up. You’ve been such a wonderful host. You must be exhausted.” She covers her mouth with her hands. “Oh, no. I’m being one of those cliché celebs who’s too self-absorbed to read the room and rudely overstays her welcome, aren’t I?”

“You are very welcome here. Although I will draw the line at another drink. I can make you some tea or coffee, if you like.”

She waves off my offer and takes another sip of water. “I know I’ve had enough. Sometimes, I can’t stop myself. Imani’s been giving me the evil eye for the past two hours, but when you know someone for as long as I’ve known her, you become very adept at ignoring what you don’t want to see.”

“It’s okay. I’m not judging you. It’s quite amusing, actually.” I’ve certainly never seen her this relaxed.

“I know you won’t take advantage of me by asking indiscreet questions.” She’s not that drunk that she forgets who she is—a woman with a secret or two.

“I’ll do my best.”

“I like you, Mimi. You… make me feel safe, somehow. Apart from that first day we met, when you annoyed the living daylights out of me, you’ve exuded nothing but kindness and confidence. I’m very drawn to that.”

Nora’s had too much wine for sure, but she doesn’t strike me as being so far gone that she won’t remember what she said tomorrow morning. She might regret it, but she will surely remember—probably to her detriment.

“Thank you.” Nora’s hair is disheveled and her eyes watery. “Maybe we can be friends after all.” Maybe she’ll actually talk to me next time I’m on theUnbreak My Heartset.

“We’re friends already. I wouldn’t still be here if we weren’t.” Nora lets her head fall back. “All that delicious wine is catching up with me.” She heaves a sigh. “I’m sorry.” She tries to get up. “I should get a car.”

“I promised Imani I’d put you up in my guest room.”

“Oh, no no no. I don’t want to be a nuisance. I don’t want to stay here. I need to go home.”

“In that case, let me take you. My blood alcohol is zero point zero.”

“You would drive me home? After having me over for dinner and putting up with my drunken ways?”

“I’m not putting up with you, Nora. I enjoy your company.” It’s fun seeing her like this instead of the usual buttoned-up Nora. “A lot.”

“Oh.”

“Surely that’s not a huge surprise to you.”

“Maybe a small one. Not many people actually like me after they get to know the real me.”

I shake my head. “Well, I do.”

“Hm.” She huffs out some air, then sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “Maybe I do want to stay here.” She swallows slowly. “Maybe I—yeah.” She pushes herself out of her chair and walks toward me. “Do you think I should stay?” Her face is right in front of mine. I can feel her warm breath on my skin.

“My guest room is all yours.”

“No. I mean, do you want me to stay?” There’s barely any space left between our lips.

“Nora,” I whisper. “You’re not thinking straight.”

“Never have as far as I can remember.” The corners of her mouth tilt upward. Her stare on me is intense and deep blue. She smells like wine and expensive perfume. And she clearly wants to kiss me. I want her to kiss me, but I can’t let her. Not like this.

I put a little distance between us. “Why don’t I drive you home?”

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