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A customer comes into the store, saving us from each other.
“I’m off to clean,” she murmurs.
I nod several times.
Three hours later,Scottie returns to close the store after a slow night.
“You sidetracked me earlier. Now, will you tell me why you’re working out with Koen?” she asks while shutting down the register.
I restock the soda glasses behind her. “I need a spotter. He looked capable and proved himself helpful by taking me home the other night.”
“I like him, Price.”
“That’s good to know. At the very least, you should like someone before sleeping with them.”
“You’re mad that I slept with him.”
I chuckle. “I’m not mad or jealous. I’m happy for you.”
“Liar.”
Yes, I’m a liar, but I don’t think I’m lying about this. Am I? Is it possible that I’m jealous on a subconscious level? That would be an unexpected and interesting revelation.
“Scottie, why do you think I’m lying?”
“Because I think I would have complicated feelings if I were in your shoes.”
“Complicated feelings?”
She turns, leaning against the counter. “Price, we weren’t just friends. We went from strangers to something intense in a matter of days. And we had an unforgettable summer together. I don’t have memories of us being anythingbutlovers. And now you’re here, and I’m single. But this other guy just walked into my life. So yeah, I think it would be fair for you to have complicated feelings about us.”
“Doyouhave complicated feelings about us?”
“Stop deflecting.” She crosses her arms.
“I’m not deflecting.”
“Then answer the question.”
I shrug. “You didn’t ask me anything.”
“Do you have feelings for me?”
“Yes.”
She presses her lips together.
“But I’m not saying they’re romantic. They’re …”
She eyes me. “They’re complicated.”
With a sad smile and a tiny nod, I accept her assessment of my feelings for her. “But the dominant feeling I have is bliss. Being back in your life in any form is unexpectedly amazing.” Lie. Lie. Lie.
I one hundred percent expected it to be amazing.
“I like Koensomuch,” she whispers.
“Scottie, I’m not asking anything of you. I’m not asking you to love me. I’m not asking you to choose me. I’m not even offering myself up as a choice. So by all means, feel free to like whomever you want.”
