Page 71 of Lucky in Love
“Still,” Tess said. “The fact that we didn’t have to dig him out of the snow bodes well for him.”
“Maybe he’s the one,” Faith said.
“Let’s not get carried away.” Alex held up a hand. “And I’m not tired of him. I just wanted to talk to you guys. Alone.”
They dug around through the sack of sandwiches and each grabbed one. Tess went to the refrigerator and brought back four cans of diet soda.
“Things are moving really fast, and it’s freaking me out,” Alex started. “We haven’t even been on an actual date, and already we’re leapfrogging to meeting parents and hosting holidays? Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”
“It is a little unconventional,” Juliet said, unwrapping her sandwich. “But sometimes when you know, you know.”
Tess and Faith nodded in agreement.
“Knowwhat?” Alex exclaimed.
“When you love someone,” Faith said, casually biting into her turkey on rye as if she hadn’t just dropped the L-word like a grenade onto the counter.
Alex’s mouth fell open. “Okay, this convo has derailed,” she said. “No one said anything about love. Why would I fall in love when he’s just going to take off?”
“Are you positive he plans to leave?” Juliet asked, sipping her pop.
“I have to be realistic,” Alex said. “It’s only a matter of time before he gets sick of me or GVF or both. Then, he’ll be gone in a heartbeat, and where does that leave me?”
“You can’t go into a relationship thinking it will automatically end,” Faith said. “You gotta have a positive mindset about it.”
“What my metaphysical-loving sister-in-law is trying to say is that you have to play the cards you’re dealt,” Tess said. “Maybe he won’t be around forever, but you should take advantage of the time you have.”
“No one ever knows what the future will hold,” Juliet said. “Look at what happened to Teddy. And Jenny.”
Teddy was Juliet’s husband, who’d died in a car accident at twenty. All of a sudden, Alex’s problems seemed stupidly trivial.
“Well, that got dark,” Tess said, and everyone chuckled. “What we’re saying is, he’s here, he’s hot, and he wants to hang out with you. Just do it.”
“Yeah, that’s another suspicious thing. Why me?” Alex asked. “Why not Tess or Juliet? I mean, look at me.” She swiped a finger up and down her body. “You guys are taller, prettier,nicer. It can’t just be that he saw me first.”
“Man, your mom has done such a number on you,” Tess mumbled. “You are gorgeous, woman. Check any freaking mirror.”
“I concur,” Faith said. “Don’t sell yourself short. No pun intended. You’re pretty, but more importantly, you’re a strong, confident woman. Plus, you have a great rack.”
“That’s true,” Tess agreed. “And exquisite boobs aside, guys like it when a woman has a mind of her own.”
“And you know this how?” Tess had been married for a hot minute, but unlike Juliet’s husband, theyneverspoke of him.The question wasn’t meant as a dig at Tess, and she didn’t take it as one.
“I don’t for sure,” Tess said. “But that’s what I’m hoping. Otherwise, I’m screwed.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Alex,” Juliet said. “Your personality is your best quality. Second to none, I’d say.”
“Hah.” Alex laughed. “Now I know you’re just blowing smoke up my butt. Look, I didn’t invite you here to fish for compliments. I need advice on whether or not to let this happen.”
“Pros and cons,” Tess said, which Alex had already thought of. She and Tess were the most pragmatic, get ’er done types of the bunch. A P&C list was second nature to them. “Pro, he’s good looking.”
“Con,” Alex said. “He’s leaving.”
“That could be pro.” Faith shrugged. “Just saying.”
“Also, we don’t know that for sure,” Juliet said.
“Con.” Alex took a deep breath and finally voiced her true concern, realizing Faith hadn’t actually been too far off base bringing up love. “I really like him. I’m trying not to, but what if I accidentally fall in love?”
