Page 14 of Thiago
“Who knows, but the point is I was, what, sixteen? He and I dated until we graduated and went to separate colleges. I’ve had men in my life since then, but no one serious. In college, I was focused on my grades. Then I found out I had lupus, which threw me into a depression for a few months.”
“Yeah, you almost flunked out of college.”
“Until you had an intervention.”
“You’re my girl. I couldn’t let you flunk out of college.”
“Which I appreciated, but by the time I graduated, all I cared about was succeeding, and that’s how it’s been all along. Every job, every position, has been moving me toward promotions and more success. I don’t have much of a social life.”
“At least you have Thiago.”
India eyed her friend. “Do I?”
“It’s not thebestrelationship, but you said the sex is amazing, and he did buy you that gorgeous bracelet for Valentine’s Day.”
She had to agree with Kiara. The bracelet was stunning. It was a gold and platinum bangle with a huge diamond that sparkled when it caught the light. But she hadn’t worn it yet since she suspected Thiago felt obligated to give her the gift because of the holiday. There was no sentiment behind it.
“He didn’t give it to me, though. He had it delivered because we didn’t see each other on Valentine’s Day. If the holiday had fallen on a Friday, I would have seen him, but it fell in the middle of the week.”
“Are you thinking of breaking things off with Thiago?”
India swallowed against the wave of pain that hit her. Truth be told, she needed to pull back a little. Not be so into him.
“I’ll keep my relationship with him for now. It serves a purpose.”
“Mhmm. You get your back blown out every Friday night.”
“You’re crass.”
“I’m living vicariously through you.”
“Whatever. You have two kids under five. You and Josh have a perfectly fine sex life,” India said dryly.
“Well…” Pink color tinged the crests of Kiara’s cheeks.
“I think it’s time I expand my options. Thiago and I have never made any type of commitment to each other. We both know the score. This is a convenience thing because we’re both busy professionals. When it no longer works for either of us, we can walk away with no regrets.”
Kiara picked up a cube of cheese. “I wish I could be like you. I’m an emotional creature. I have sex and fall madly in love. That’s how Josh got me. Bastard.” She popped the cheese in her mouth.
India laughed. “And you love that man like nobody’s business.”
“Hard. Can’t imagine my life without him.”
India experienced a twinge of envy. “That feeling wouldn’t be so bad to have—to love someone and know they love me. I want someone I can’t imagine living without, and I don’t have that with Thiago. He and I are placeholders for each other. Eventually, he’s going to slow down and look for the perfect little wifey to host his dinner parties, and I’m going to find a man who won’t be intimidated by my success and independence.”
“How are you going to find this mystery man?” Kiara asked.
India sipped her beverage, using those few seconds to think. “I have an idea already.”
Kiara’s eyes widened. “You’ve been holding out. Who?”
“No, I haven’t, I promise,” India said with a laugh. “It’s the emergency room doctor. I wasn’t paying him any mind at the time, but I think he was hitting on me, and I have his card.”
“A doctor. Nice. You know what, I can check with Josh and see if any of his guy friends are single and get back to you. What do you think?”
India didn’t hesitate. “I’m open to all possibilities.”
Giddy, Kiara clapped her hands and did a little dance. “I love playing matchmaker. Oh, do you need him to be in a certain income bracket? Because I just remembered one of Josh’s friends is single and a really nice guy, but he doesn’t make the kind of money you do. He does make decent pay, though. His name is Leo, and he runs a gallery on the north side of town, so you’d have your love of art in common.”
