Page 109 of The Genius
“That doesn’t bother me. My dad is nine years older than my mom and they are very happy together.”
“But do you love him?”
“Who, Marco?” Mila had such an innocent look in her blue eyes. “No. I’ve never been in love, but I’m told that those feelings can often grow within a marriage.”
“Did Marco tell you why he wouldn’t fight for you?”
“Yes. It’s because I used to be his student. He said that would be weird.”
“He’s right.” My pulse was starting to come down again. “It would be just as weird as me marrying Hunter.”
“Nonsense. You and Hunter would make a great couple. So would you and Tristan. He really likes and admires you.”
“Mila, Tristan and I are just friends.”
“That’s good. A strong friendship is the best foundation for a marriage anyway.”
“Why do you even want to get married, Mila? You wouldn’t even be thinking about it if you were in the Motherlands. It’s outdated and serves no purpose.”
“I disagree.” Mila’s words were soft but firm. “There is something beautiful about two people uniting.”
“There’s no need. Not everyone finds the love that your parents have. Look at all the couples from the Matchmaking Program. Many of them are getting divorced.”
“I blame it on the Motlanders.”
“Why?”
“Because they want to change the Nmen.”
“I think that goes both ways, though.”
We sat for a while, watching the game and cheering every time someone scored. When they were done playing, Hunter showed off, keeping the ball bouncing in the air using his foot, knee, shoulders, and head.
“Khan and my dad are hoping that this weekend will result in some new couples,” Mila said out of the blue. “Who do you think would be likely to end up together?”
“I don’t know.”
“Make a guess, then.”
“You and Tristan.”
Mila laughed. “I don’t think he would go through the trouble of fighting in a tournament. Do you?”
“No, but if you fell in love he wouldn’t have to, would he?”
Mila plucked some grass. “My parents wouldn’t like it if I married someone who hadn’t fought for me. They are old-fashioned that way.”
Just when I was about to go into a discussion about being an independent woman, Marco came over and put down Dina on the ground. “Thank you so much for letting me borrow your sister. She was a great help,” he said with a large smile.
“You’re welcome.” Mila got up and brushed off her long flowery skirt. “Did you have fun, honey?”
The little girl nodded and began telling Mila about the game.
“I’m thirsty. Wanna grab something to drink?” Marco asked me.
“Sure.” I lifted my hand and he pulled me up from the grass.
“I could use a drink; how about you, Mila?”
