Page 223 of Taeja

Liza yelped before tugging her earphones out of her ear. With a sheepish smile, she brought the window down. “I didn’t hear when you pulled in.”

“Of course, you didn’t,” Damon said as they walked toward the house together. “I always scold you about wearing your earphones in the car by yourself. You need to be aware of your surroundings.”

Liza chuckled. “And I always tell you I can make my own decisions. I’m not that little girl from college anymore.”

“I know,” Damon said. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back.”

Liza looked around the living room as they stopped walking. “Is Zain here?”

Damon shook his head, not missing how Liza’s shoulders slumped. Deciding against saying anything, he went upstairs for a quick shower. Afterward, he got dressed in something casual. Making his way downstairs, he opened Zain’s chat.

They say it’s ready for pickup.

Already? That was quick.

That’s what fast manufacturing means, Damon.

Do you think you’re funny?

I know I’m funny.

Your joke’s lame. I didn’t laugh.

Fuck off.

After you.

Pocketing his phone, he arrived in the living room and saw Liza on her phone, mindlessly scrolling.

She looked at him. “Ready?”

Forcing away the surging sadness, Damon nodded. “Make the call.”

Liza nodded. Leaving her to it, he went to the kitchen to make himself something to eat. Zain wasn’t at his house as often since Taeja went to college, so he was cooking for himself more these days. While he ate, Liza entered the kitchen.

She sat on the stool beside him. “They’re fifteen minutes away,” she said, and Damon hummed through a mouthful of food. Her brows furrowed. “Are you sure about this?” she asked, and Damon nodded. “Okay… Whatever you feel is best for you. One of us deserves to be happy.”

Damon swallowed the food and looked at her. “Liza…”

“Don’t say it.”

“I have to,” Damon disagreed. “You’ve been stringing along that guy for months now.”

She sighed. “It doesn’t feel right giving my all to someone else when I’m not completely over Marco.”

“Understandable, and no one is rushing you to move on. I just don’t think it’s fair to the guy.”

“Should I tell him I’m not looking for something serious right now?”

“Definitely.”

She sighed again. “Okay. Next time I see him, I will. For now, let’s focus on you. I can’t believe you’re getting rid of El’s car.”

Damon wore a somber smile. “I think it’s time. I’m the happiest I’ve been in ages and every time I see El’s car, I feel… guilty. Taeja doesn’t deserve less than all of me. I need to give her that.”

Liza smiled. “I’m happy for you, Damon. For both of you, actually.”

Knowing what she alluded to, Damon sighed. “I hate that I have to tell you this, but I don’t think Zain will forgive you.”

---