Page 111 of Love Arranged
Me
Why are you acting like you care about me?
His answer takes too damn long. I nearly give up on a reply, but then my phone vibrates.
Lorenzo
You’re important to me.
Me
Because of our arrangement?
Three dots appear, disappear, and reappear again before a new messagepops up.
Lorenzo
No.
Who knew one word could say so much?
Lorenzo isn’t done putting my heart through the ringer though, and his incoming text does an impeccable job of confirming that he does care, even if he doesn’twantto.
Lorenzo
If you refuse to send me your location, then at least give me proof of life.
I send him a photo of me blowing a kiss to the camera before dropping my phone back into my purse. I’m not sure what possessed me to send such a picture, but it’s too late to turn back now.
While I’m scanning a rack of clothes, I grow increasingly frustrated with Lorenzo and the way he shut me out earlier, to the point where I shoot Rafa a text. If anyone can give me some much-needed insight, it’s him.
Me
Quick question.
He answers immediately, which is promising.
Rafa
What’s up?
Me
How did Ellie get you to open up?
My phone buzzes from an incoming call, and I answer.
“Hey,” I say to Rafa.
“So much for a quick question.”
I laugh. “I was curious.”
“Because you’re interested in doing the same?”
I pause in front of the window display. “Maybe. No.” I pause. “Ugh. I don’t know. I’m on the fence about it.”
“Part of me wants to warn you against trying, but then I think of someone giving Ellie that kind of advice and how my life would’ve turned out if she had taken it.”
