Page 62 of If It Can't Be Us

Leo:Touchdown.

A rush of excitement floods through me. I heart the message, my thumb hovering over the screen for a moment before I snap out of it. Almost instantly, my phone dings again. This time, it’s Nick.

Nick:I know this is last minute, but my friend gave me two tickets to the Bulls game tomorrow night. I’d love for

you to come? It’s at 7:00, we could grab dinner before.

Damn. The idea of a night out with Nick is tempting. Bulls game, good food, and his easygoing company? It sounds perfect. But Leo and I have plans for tomorrow, and I can’t bail on him. More than that, I don’t want to. Just the thought of seeing him makes my heart race.

Vivian:Ugh! I’m so sorry, Nick. That sounds like so much fun, but I have plans tomorrow night with my friend, Leo. I mentioned it Sunday… remember? Thank you so much for thinking of me, though. I hope you have a great time!

A pang of guilt hits as I press send. Nick’s reply is almost immediate.

Nick:Oh yeah… I forgot you had plans with your guy friend. Okay, next time. Have fun.

I roll my eyes. Why are guys so fucking weird about women having guy friends? Nick had acted a little funny when I had told him I had plans on Friday with Leo. He didn’t say anything, but it was obvious that it bothered him.

It doesn’t matter, though. We aren’t an official thing. As much as I like him, I won’t stop being friends with Leo or dating someone else if they come along. I’m in an exploratory phase, and right now, Nick is first runner-up when it comes to dating, but I’m keeping my options open. Leo has always been there for me, and I’m not about to let that go just because it makes someone else uncomfortable.

I stretch out on the couch, glancing at the time again. Leo’s probably grabbing his bags and heading home by now.

At 10:40, there’s a knock on my door, and I jump off the couch, running to answer it. I swing the door open and practically leap into Leo’s arms, wrapping my arms around his neck and squeezing him tightly.

He chuckles softly in my ear and tightens his arms around me. “Wow, this is quite the welcome home,” he says, kissing my cheek before slowly loosening his grip on me.

I back up slightly, laughing. “Sorry… I just really missed you!”

“I was only gone a week,” he replies, grinning.

“I know, but I could just feel the emptiness of your house next door. It felt lonely knowing you weren’t right there. Plus, I’ve becomeso accustomed to listening to youbangwomen while I work in my office; it’s almost like white noise now. I couldn’t keep my focus in the silence.” I flash him a teasing smile.

“I missed you too,” he says with a playful smirk, his suitcase standing beside him on the porch.

“Well, thanks for swinging by. I’ll let you get unpacked and settled. I imagine you’re worn out after such a long day of travel.”

He lets out a deep sigh. “I am. I’m actually excited to go to bed.”

“Okay, so what time should I be ready tomorrow?”

“How about four? We can explore the Christmas market and then head to Craft’s for dinner and drinks. Noah will save us a spot.”

“That sounds amazing. I’ll be ready.”

“Okay. Goodnight, Viv.”

“Night, Leo.”

I close the door behind me. The soft glow from my modest Christmas tree and the flickering fireplace light the entryway with a warm, soothing ambiance.

As I turn off the lights and ascend the stairs, my heart races, and I struggle to steady my breath. The excitement I feel around Leo doesn’t seem to wane; if anything, it intensifies with each encounter. His presence has a magnetic pull that I can’t seem to escape.

As I settle into my sheets, I remind myself not to dwell on the future or let worries take over. I focus on living in the present—day by day, minute by minute—trusting myself and the process, and striving to savor each moment as it comes.

* * * * ** * * * *

The next day

I stand in my closet, staring at the array of clothes before me. After trying on five different outfits and hating each one, I’m no closer to achieving the look I want. It’s freezing outside, so I need to dresswarmly. Even though it’s not a real date, I’m treating it like one. It’s Leo, so he’s seen me at my worst and won’t be fazed by whatever I choose. But I still want to look great because, well, it’s Leo.

---