Page 128 of The Fallacy of True Love
“That’s right,” Eric added.
I glowered at them. “You two should know.”
His lips clamped shut, and I could have sworn Nikki would have murdered me on the spot if Jo weren’t present.
“Jo, can you help me bring the plates to the kitchen?” Nikki said.
“But we’re still talking to Tito Ally,” Jo protested. Then she shook my knee. “Did you give him the tattoo already? Don’t forget, you promised!”
“Not yet,” Alonzo and I said at the same time. Our eyes met on the screen, and he mouthed yet at me.
“You can do it when he comes here,” Jo declared.
He chuckled. “Brilliant idea, Jo. I like the sound of that.”
Squealing, Jo clapped her hands, and I shook my head even though I’d already planned on inking him if he asked again. Whether or not he wanted Jo’s flower design to be permanent would be up to him.
“Okay, anak. Time to clean up.” Nikki put her hands on Jo’s shoulders. “You can talk to him again later.”
“I need to take Milo for a walk too,” Eric said.
A few seconds later, I was alone on the phone with Alonzo.
“That was efficient. I’m impressed,” he drawled, grinning. “Looks like I’m finally getting my tatt.”
“I’ll put that colorful flower tatt on your bicep.”
His smile grew. “Whatever you want, babe.”
The endearment sent a jolt of pleasure through me. It was the first time he’d called me that outside of the bedroom, and though I never thought I’d be into pet names, I liked the sound of it when it came from him.
“I’m glad you took my call in front of them,” he continued.
“Only because Jo saw your name. Then Nikki switched it to video mode.”
“You could have cut it anytime.”
“Nikki would have called you herself.”
“So you’re not going to say you miss me too?” he asked.
“You haven’t said it either.” My words reeked of neediness, but I wasn’t going to take them back. I stared at him straight on, letting him know I stood by what I said.
“I almost headed to the bus station after work. That’s how much I miss you.”
Why didn’t you, then?
As if I’d transmitted the question to his brain, he added, “I’m having brunch with the fam tomorrow. My dad might disown me if I missed it.”
“Have you talked to him since yesterday?”
“Nope. I slept over at Tala’s place last night, and he and Mama are out watching a movie. Hopefully that will put him in a good enough mood for tomorrow. Plus Tala and Jason have wedding updates, so that should distract him.”
“Ahh. Have they decided which island to rent out?” I joked, but he didn’t even blink.
“Something like that.” My shock must have showed because he continued. “It’s the only way they can get any privacy, especially since some of Jason’s old teammates are coming. But I don’t think they’re renting out an entire island.”
I shook my head. “Your reality is so surreal to me.”
