Page 51 of The Manny

“I had an interesting conversation with Barb last night.” His voice wobbled.

“Okay.”

He hesitated. “She uh… she wants to reconcile with me.”

He looked so nervous, I wasn’t sure how to respond exactly. “Um, that’s good right?”

Frowning, he glanced over. “You don’t seem too bothered.”

“Do you want me to be?”

He grimaced. “No. I mean, maybe?”

I laughed. “Which is it?”

He shrugged. “I’m attracted to you.”

My ego was pleased to hear it wasn’t only one-sided, but ultimately he needed to decide what he really wanted. There were plenty of guys to sleep with if I just wanted that. “I’m attracted to you too. But she’s the mother of your child.”

“Yes.”

“You said she’s the love of your life.” I studied him.

He nodded. “She is.”

Smirking, I said, “I’m just a super-hot guy you want to get in bed.”

He chuckled. “Your modesty is showing, Thomas.”

“Really? I didn’t think I had any of that.”

Shifting toward me, his expression was relieved. “You’re being so cool about this. I thought you might be pissed off.”

I frowned. “I have no right to be mad. I’d always rather a couple stay together, if they love each other.”

He grimaced. “I do love her. I can’t help it.”

“Nor should you try to.”

He watched me closely. “I was worried you’d think I’d been leading you on. I wasn’t, I swear. I had no idea Barb still loved me. She hid it really well. I knew I still wanted her back, but didn’t know she felt the same way. I didn’t think there was any chance of a reconciliation.”

I wasn’t going to tell him I’d had a talk with her at Percy’s party. That was between me and her. I’d been curious to know if she’d moved forward with Operation Get Aiden Back, and I now had my answer.

“I’m happy for you guys. It’s not like you and I slept together. I don’t feel used by any stretch of the imagination. I’m happy to be your friend.”

He faced forward again. “Okay, good. Although, it’s a little rough on my ego that you’re so willing to be just my pal.”

Laughing, I shrugged. “I’m being mature about it all because I want your friendship still. We didn’t cross any lines that make that impossible.”

“No.”

“Just be sure you really want Barb back and that you don’t just want to win.”

He glanced at me. “What?”

I sighed. “Well, when she left you that probably felt like a failure. Getting her back erases that. I’m simply saying make sure it’s Barb you want back in your life, and not just a victory.”

He blinked at me and then he nodded slowly. “I see what you’re saying.”

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