Page 45 of Never With You
Blair raises her glass to the table. “Or at a girls’ dinner.”
It’s not like I haven’t thought about and dissected this before now. Mr. International is constantly on my mind.
“You guys are probably right. This much vagueness and secrecy after all this time isn’t normal. He’s probably married.”
“I thought you liked keeping things vague with him. Like, you were a proponent of that,” Emma says.
“I was in the beginning.” I lift my shoulders, thinking back on how fragile I was the first time we messaged. “Isaac had just dumped me, and the thought of dating or trusting another man seemed impossible. But if he was just some stranger online, that made things easier and less intense.”
Camila’s brows lift. “Yeah, but I think we’re past easy and less intense. You’re crushing hard on this guy.”
“It’s probably more than a crush. Ireallylike him. If he’s semi-cute and normal-ish in real life, I could totally see myself falling head over heels for him.”
“Awww.” Emma’s hand goes to her heart.
“Unless he’s married,” Camila mutters.
“So true.” I shake my head. “Should I just come out and ask him if he’s married or dating anyone?”
“I think you guys are at a spot where you could get some more information from him without ruining theYou’ve Got Mailfun.” Emma gives me an encouraging smile.
“I would ask him and then let us know what he says so we can dissect whether or not he’s lying.” Camila would honestly see right through any lie, so at least I have her in my corner.
“Yeah, if he’s dodgy, you need to cut off all communication,” Blair says.
My heart drops a little at the prospect of cutting off communication, but at the same time, I can’t have another Isaac situation. I can’t ignore all the red flags. My friends are right. It’s time I learn a little bit more about Mr. International.
“Hello, ladies. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
I turn over my shoulder to Nate’s familiar voice and die a little. He’s standinginsidethe restaurantbyour table in jeans and a fitted t-shirt.
“Why didn’t you text me that you were here?” I scoot my chair back and stand.
“I thought it would be easier just to come in.”
“Hello, you must be Carly’s nemesis, Nate.” Camila reaches across the table to shake his hand.
“Nemesis?” His brows lift as a smile splits across his face.
“That’s right.” Camila smiles. “We’ve heard all about you.”
“Typical that Carly can’t stop talking about me.”
“No,” I snap. “I said you were dropping something off. That’s it.”
“I’m Camila.” Judging by her grin, she’s completely smitten by him.
“Camila, yes.” He nods as he shakes her hand. “I believe we talked on the phone. I’d love to hear more about that dream.”
“Over my dead body.” My expression darkens enough for Camila to get the hint.
“We’ll have to discuss the dream another time.” She gestures to everyone else. “This is Emma, Juliet, and Blair.”
Nate makes his way around the table, shaking all of my friends’ hands. “Emma. Juliet. Blair. It’s nice to meet you all and see Carly has friends.”
“Oh, you’re funny!” Blair laughs.
“He’s hilarious,” I deadpan, pulling on his arm.
