Page 97 of The Fallacy of True Love
“Just be honest with her. You know as well as I do why she’s so careful about relationships, but I think deep down, she knows you’re the right guy for her.”
“I hope so. If not, well, at least you can’t keep bugging me about not trying.”
“That’s fair. Why now, by the way?”
Again, he was silent for a beat. “One of my local counterparts asked me out.”
“Oh.”
“She said she’s always been interested in me, but I didn’t seem available. When she found out I was single, she figured she’d shoot her shot while she could. I got to thinking about how I’ve had so many chances with Nikki and I haven’t really taken them. I don’t want anyone else to beat me to it.” He paused. “I also thought of you being in Manila. If you were brave enough to go there for the sake of what you wanted, why shouldn’t I be the same?”
My throat constricted. Ever since I’d gotten to know Eric, I’d looked up to him. He was smart and successful without being arrogant, and he’d given up a lucrative career to pursue a purposeful path. I trusted and respected his opinions as much as I did Nikki’s, and it was strange to think he would look to me for…well, anything.
“I’m glad you’re finally going for it,” I told him. “If Nikki mentions it to me, I’ll try my best to convince her to say yes.”
“Don’t. If she does?—”
“When she does,” I corrected firmly.
“When she does, I want it to be of her own will.”
“Okay, then. Good luck popping the question. Let me know what she says, will you?”
“Of course. And Cam? I hope you give Lonzo a real shot too. You deserve to be happy, and I think he could be good for you if you let him.”
I had no response for that.
His short laugh let me know he got me and wouldn’t push. Not today, at least. “Call if you need anything.”
“Will do. Take care there.”
“You too. I’ll see you Saturday.”
I hung up. I should have been thrilled to count down the hours till I was back in Juana, but part of me wondered if I could put off my bus ride for another day, or even a few hours. That way, I wouldn’t have to travel through the night.
Look at me, making excuses to myself. That just confirmed I really was in trouble.
I did what I should have done earlier and opened my messages.
Alonzo
Glad I passed I had a great night, Maya. Sleep well.
Morning! Good luck with your session today. I’ll pick you up at 7:30—can’t wait
I’m choosing to believe you’re busy, not ignoring me. Because I can’t get you off my mind.
His sappiness should have repelled me because he was clearly taking this too seriously. But there was something about how he laid his thoughts out so openly that got to me. I replied:
focus on ur classes. c u later.
And as I headed down to the function hall, all I could think about was what Alonzo had planned for tonight.
Alonzo
“Reyes.”
I snapped to attention, my stomach churning as Professor Santos fixed his unblinking gaze on me. Of course, he had to call on me when my brain was far from the classroom. “Yes, sir.”
