Page 55 of Total Obsession

Miranda sighed. "I wish. I've tried, I really have. Women are beautiful angels sent from above. I wish I could be sexually attracted to them, but for some reason, I still crave that most cursed of eggplants. It's why I know that sexuality is not a choice."

I almost choked on my wine.

"Maybe you'll feel different when you meet the right person."

Miranda made a gagging face. "Gross. Therightperson is a complete myth. There are just people and people who choose to make things work."

"Well, I want this to work," I almost whispered.

"Why?"

I rolled my eyes at her.

"No, seriously, why? Have you ever asked yourself why you actually like this man?"

"We have a history," I pointed out.

"So?" Miranda replied. "I have a history with tons of people. Me and the mailman have a history. I say 'Hi' to him every time he brings me a package. That doesn't mean I want to have a relationship with him."

"Obviously that's a different situation."

Miranda shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. You're not being very convincing."

"We were kids together. We grew up together."

"Uh huh," Miranda said, clearly not convinced. "That just sounds like you know him, or at least youdidknow him. What do you actually like about himright now?"

"Am I supposed to be able to answer these questions when I'm exhausted and emotional?" I asked, starting to feel completely on edge and attacked.

"No," Miranda said. "But, I just want you to think about them. Can I tell you what I'm actually worried about?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Not really," she admitted.

I gave her a wry smile.

"I'm just worried that the only reason you're with him is because you feel some sort of guilt over your past and how things ended in high school. You told me the story. I know what happened, but I don't think that's a reason for you to fall head over heels for a guy. I just think you need to be careful."

I didn't want to listen to what she was saying. I knew there was good logic there, but I really just did not want to hear it. My heart was just pleading that Axe would have the right explanation and that all of this would go away.

I didn't want to believe that he could hurt me.

I held back my tears as I thought about how Axe must have felt all those years ago. He probably was wishing the same thing from me.

"I think I should be going," I said to Miranda.

"Okay," she replied, flipping on the television. "Just think about what I said."

"I will," I replied, standing up and grabbing my coat from the chair.

"Breaking news from Miami this evening. The police have apprehended Abelardo Manuel, thought to be the leader of the Cubanos, an active and well-known gang in the area responsible for a large portion of Southern Miami's drug trade. Primo Maldonado, son of Johnny Maldonado who is currently in jail for conspiracy to commit murder, among other charges, was identified as being at the scene. Police have identified two other unidentified suspects that were caught fleeing the scene, shown here. If you have any information, please call on the tip line."

I stared at the screen in absolute disbelief. The image was blurry, but for someone like me who had spent the majority of my life looking at Axe, plus seeing him leave in exactly that suit this morning, there was no mistaking the first photograph.

It was absolutely Axe.

I felt sick to my stomach.

---