Page 15 of If It Can't Be Us

My turn. I place my dollar in the center. “Same question.”

“You have to add one of your tens or twenties to ask the same question.”

I groan and place a ten in the middle.

“I’m a psychology professor at the University of Illinois.”

“Okay,” I say, placing another ten in the middle and giving him the same look he gave me. “I need to know more about that. Explain.” I’m shocked by his answer.

“Do you want to be more specific about what you want me to explain, so you don’t waste any more of your money?” he offers.

“Okay… let me think.” I cross my arms and lean back. “I’m surprised. I wasn’t expecting you to say that. I don’t know, how often do you teach? Do you do anything else in that line of work? You know… just… explain.”

“You’re cute when you’re flustered, Walker.” He grins at me. “This coming semester, I will have a lighter load than I’m used to. I have lectures three days a week and one on Monday afternoons. On Wednesdays, I see clients at my private practice.”

“That can’t be all,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “I feel like there’s more you’re not telling me. Are you giving me a half-truth?”

“Why do you assume I’m telling a half-truth?”

Because I wasn’t born yesterday.

“No reason.” I pause. “You don’t do anything else?”

Leo emanates wealth. I grew up in Park City, practically a playground for the rich… so I know wealth. For one, my father-in-law is ungodly wealthy.

Leo’s dressed in expensive clothing, wears a Rolex watch, and lives in a multi-million dollar townhouse on the Riverwalk in Chicago. Psychology professor… doesn’t add up.

“You didn’t ask that. You asked about my psychology profession. Is that another question?”

I raise my eyebrow. “I don’t know,Leo, isthatanother question?”

“Touché,” he chuckles, signaling to Noah by looping his finger around in the air for another round of drinks. I’m already pretty buzzed, but the food is soaking up the alcohol, and I’m drinking slowly. One more round should be fine.

His playful demeanor is infectious, and I find myself more intrigued by him with every passing minute.

“Fine. I’ll give you this one for free, but no more! I also dabble in some real estate and business ventures.”

“Dabble?” I echo, my curiosity piqued. “That sounds like more than just a side hustle.”

He leans in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “Let’s just say I have a few projects in London and here in Chicago. It keeps me busy when I’m not teaching or seeing clients.”

I nod slowly, processing. “So, you’re not just a psychology professor. You’re a businessman too.”

“Something like that,” he replies with a twinkle in his eye. “Now, no more freebies. It’s my turn,” he states, placing his dollar in the pile. “Do you have any siblings?”

“Nope. Only child.” I place my dollar on the countertop. “What’s your favorite holiday?”

“Easy. New Year’s.”

I give him a look. No one picks New Year’s. Literally, no one!

“What’s your favorite drink?”

“Easy,” I say. “Coffee.”

I ponder my next question as Noah sets our drinks down. “Have you ever been married?” I ask.

“Never. Favorite TV show?” he asks.

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