Page 48 of The Fallacy of True Love
“Nice.”
For a minute or so, there was only the crunching of chicharon and the music from the TV. Then Gabe spoke up. “Did you ever think of studying in the US?”
Of all the questions I thought I’d hear, this one came out of nowhere. “Of course. But I couldn’t leave Mama alone. I considered applying to law school there but”—Dani’s here, I caught myself from saying—”my life is here.”
He nodded. “That was a good thing that you did. Staying with your mom.”
A lump lodged in my throat. “How could I not?” Did I wish I’d gotten to experience the freedom and opportunities that my sisters did in the US? Sure. But I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I had left too and something had happened to Mama while I was gone.
“If you ever decide you want to try transferring, just let me know. Or either of your sisters.”
How he’d zeroed in on a thought I’d been stewing on, I had no clue. I’d wondered how life might have been if I had gone for that option, or whether this mess was a sign that I should consider it again. It boiled down to one thing, I realized. “I wanted to become a lawyer so I could help the people that mattered to me. Most of them are in the Philippines, so it makes sense to pursue my career here,” I told him. “But I appreciate the offer.”
Another nod. “I’m not good with relationship advice, but if there’s any way I can help?—”
“What?” Jason’s voice boomed, pulling my attention to the game area overlooking the balcony on the other end of the room.
Gabe and I looked at each other, then rushed over to them.
“Thanks for letting me know, Nat,” Jason said into his phone. “Let me talk to Tala and get back to you.” Ending the call, he took Tala’s hand, his face the picture of worry and anger.
Tala sighed. “It leaked?”
“Yeah. It leaked.”
Cam
“You guys are dead to me,” I declared to Nikki and Eric.
Jo was busy playing with some other kids, and I’d finally gotten the two of them alone.
Nikki looked at Eric and said to me, “Again?”
“We must be cats with all the extra lives we’ve got,” Eric commented.
“Or zombies that keep coming back.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hilarious.”
“Thank you. Glad you finally acknowledged it,” Nikki said. “So what’s the reason for our demise this time?”
“Your daughter asked me about Manila because she heard you two talking about us—kissing.”
Her eyes widened. “Shit. She was supposed to be sleeping.”
“I had to find a way to answer without lying or gaslighting her. You should give me a prize.”
“Your next shake’s on the house.”
“I don’t need the freebie,” I said, though pretty soon, that might actually be necessary with how my job search was going. “I need you to not ruin my reputation with your daughter. She happens to be my favorite.”
“She’s my only daughter.”
“I meant my favorite person.”
“That’s fair. She’s mine too.” Nikki reached out and side-hugged me. “I’m sorry, Cam. I’ll be more careful talking about your sex life when Jo’s around.”
I stiffened. “I did not have sex with him.”
