Page 103 of The Fallacy of True Love
Alonzo
Maya
have u heard of this study app for phl law students? mybe it will help
Alonzo
Yeah, I use that when I’m commuting or working out but it has limited functions.
Did you look it up for me? I’m flattered
Maya
of course u r
Alonzo
You already know that I’m into you. It’s nice to know you think about me too.
* * *
“Do you have any plans this weekend?” Mama asked as I sat down at the kitchen table with my scrambled eggs and rice.
“The usual, school and work.” Unless I could convince Maya to stay.
And what, Alonzo? You’ll make her wait for you to finish your class and your shift? Or are you skipping both of those?
I paused, holding the utensils above my plate. I couldn’t comprehend the reality that in less than forty-eight hours, she would be gone. We didn’t even have two whole days left, just a handful of hours that I needed to stretch out for as long as I could.
For so much of my life, I’d wanted to speed up time so I could get to the place I wanted to be. Now I just wanted to slow it down, at least when it came to the hours I got to spend with Maya. It had taken all my self-control to say goodbye to her after our date, but I had a point to prove.
“Tala suggested a brunch place for Sunday,” Mama said. “Did she text you?”
Shit. I forgot to read the messages in our siblings’ group chat. “I’ll check now.”
“Are you okay, Lonzo? You seem distracted.”
I glanced up from my phone and found Mama studying me with a look of concern. “Yes. I just have a lot on my mind.”
She opened her mouth, but Papa spoke up before she could.
“What did I tell you?” he said, joining us at the table. “You need to focus on the most important thing—your studies. Instead, you’re always out all night.”
I was about to tell Mama that I’d be sleeping at a friend’s tonight. Of course, Papa had to beat me to the topic.
“I’m not out partying. Most of the time, I’m working and studying,” I pointed out. “And I’m almost twenty-two.”
“You’re still a student, and you’re still living here. That means you follow my rules.”
“Juan.” Mama frowned at him.
His words set off my temper. “I’ve always followed Mama’s rules. You just made up new ones.”
“Because you disappeared on us and ruined your record,” he retorted. “Obviously, the old rules aren’t enough.”
Heat flashed up my neck, and I spoke without thinking. “I can look for my own place.”
“And how will you pay for it?”
