Page 121 of The Fallacy of True Love
“How about work?”
“I’ll find out tomorrow.”
“Papa and Mama?”
I froze, remembering my phone call with Papa and how I’d ignored his texts after that.
“Mama called to ask about our plans for Sunday,” Tala said gently. “I told them I invited you over.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Mmhmm. Papa said you haven’t been replying to him.”
My anger came rushing back. “I don’t want to talk to him now. He only cares about my grades and what time I’ll be home so I can study. Shit, I sound like I’m in grade school. To think Papa wasn’t this way back then.”
She grimaced. “I understand what you mean. It was definitely an adjustment, living with him again after so many years.”
“For you especially, I guess, since you’re used to being on your own.”
Nodding, she said, “Yes, but I know it’s hard for you too—especially since you’ve been the only guy at home since you were a kid. It has to be extra frustrating, having Papa keep an eye on you when you’re twenty-one.”
“Yeah.” I took a drink of water and wished it was something stronger.
“Do you want me to talk to him?” Tala offered.
I shook my head, not wanting her to fight my battles. “No. I’ll do it. I just have to clear my head first.”
“Okay. He’s also still adjusting after living away from the family for so long. But he listened to Luna, right? He’ll listen to you too, though it might take some time.”
“I hope so.” I reached for another lumpia and ate it in two bites. “These are good for ready-made food.”
“Right? They’re my guilty pleasure.” Grabbing a chip, she popped it into her mouth. “So. Did you borrow the car to see café girl?”
“I brought her to the bus station. She’s going back to Juana.”
Her brows swung up. “She’s from La Union? I thought she worked with you at the coffee shop.”
“She’s here for a work thing, but she lives in Juana. We met the last time I went there.”
“Wait. Have you been…seeing each other since then?”
Confusion filled Tala’s voice, so I told her how Maya and I had been housemates and how she’d reached out to me for help. My sister didn’t need to know the rest of the details.
“How did she end up working at the coffee shop?” Tala asked.
“I called her and she figured out we were swamped. Next thing I knew, she was there and she took over the dishwashing. I told her not to, but she did it anyway.” My lips curved at the memory, even though I’d now be disappointed every time I’d go to the kitchen and not find her there.
“Based on that look on your face, I’m guessing you like this girl.”
I met her eyes. “I’m crazy for her.”
Tala stared at me.
I took a chip.
The crunch when I bit into it seemed to snap her back to herself. “Wow.”
“Yeah. It blindsided me too. I know it’s fast but…”
