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“Look, I'm not here to fight. I want to make up. I really like you, Emma, and I want to give you another chance. So let's forget the past and start fresh, okay?” There's something so fresh faced and earnest in the way he speaks that I'm almost stunned. He really doesn't see how he is the problem here - He's convinced that I’m the issue.
I have to wonder once again if there's something I'm just not seeing or just so profoundly different that there’s no way we can find common ground. If this is how he behaves when we disagree about something this minute, how will he behave when we’re facing big issues? I can't imagine he'd do anything different.
And I can't imagine being with someone like that. “You're right,” I say, weighing my next words carefully. “I was completely rude and disrespectful talking about another man while we were on a date.” My heart squeezes as the petty side of me rears up. “I’m also sorry, I should have said something sooner.” I watch his eyebrows raise, a sense of evil welling up in me. He’s going to be so mad. “The money you left didn't cover the cost of your drink, so I told them to put it on your tab.”
His eyebrows scrunch together, and I sense his anger as I make sure to call him out for sticking me with part of his bill. “I left more than enough for my drink and a tip.”
I shake my head. “Take it up with them.” And I lean in closer, lowering my voice to a too-loud stage whisper as if I’m sparing him some embarrassment. “I have no problem paying my own way, but a man who can’t do math isn’t exactly my type.”
He hesitates, studying my face. Then lets out a booming laugh that confuses me. “Oh, Emma, you’re so funny. This is why I love you - you keep me on my toes and make me laugh.”
Is he... is he delusional?
“I’m so happy we were able to work this out,” he says, reaching for me to pull me close, but I dance away, my face still white-hot with embarrassment that all of this is happening in front of Clifton. I’m sure he’s getting a kick out of this situation and enjoying some cheap laughs at my expense.
“Just to be clear, though,” Sterling says, glancing at Clifton for the first time since walking into the room. “If she were your date and she spent over an hour talking about some other guy, would you be okay with that?”
He feels like he’s won and he’s still trying to convince me I’m wrong? Am I losing my mind right now?
Clifton doesn't so much as look in Sterling’s direction. Instead, he focuses his gorgeous green eyes on me and speaks in a low, calm tone.
"Emma, if I went on a date with you, you could talk about the weather in Egypt and I'd still hang on every word." His gaze darts back and forth between mine.
A jolt of electric current races through me. Did he just say what I think I heard? Did he just imply that he wants to date me? I’m sure he’s just sticking up for me; that’s the only thing that makes sense.
Sterling doesn't seem to appreciate his answer, however, and glares at him - not that Clifton seems to notice. He’s still studying me with that intentness that warms me up from the inside.
"Who are you, anyway?" Sterling asks, every trace of kindness gone from his voice.
I nearly leap forward. I don’t want Clifton to say his name, because everything will fall apart, and Sterling will likely lose his mind. After all, Clifton’s words would likely reinforce that I’m in love with the guy in Sterling’s mind.
And now, I’m not so sure how I feel.
I can feel the anger and jealousy rolling off Sterling. “Who the hell is this jackass?” Sterling asks, seeming to suddenly realize I share an office with the person who just disagreed with him and very compellingly threw his name in the hat for me to consider. Though I’m still certain it was all for show to put Sterling in his place.
While I’m uncomfortable with the whole situation, Clifton’s attention makes me feel at ease. I can practically hear him telling me I can get through this, that I’m strong and brave, and that Sterling doesn't deserve me.
Clifton’s right - the right guy will support me, no matter what I talk about on a date, just like I’d support him.
Of course, I’m not sure how to label Clifton to Sterling. My work partner? My friend? My crush?
The last one slips in, almost unnoticed, but as I think about those words, I have to admit they’re true. I like him.
Maybe Katie was onto something when she mentioned that sometimes people outside of us have a better perspective.
But Sterling’s anger seems to be rising. “Is he the guy?” Sterling asks.
Clifton arches an eyebrow as if asking me the same question.
He is the guy, but I don’t want him to know that or Sterling to say anything.
“Is this the guy you were talking about on our date?” Sterling’s voice rises an octave, and he sounds more threatened than a raccoon on the business end of a broom after being caught stealing. “Is he the one you were thinking about while you were out with me?”
And the truth slams into me like a speeding bus.
“The problem wasn’t that I was talking about someone else on our date,” I say as everything falls into place and I finally understand. “The problem is that you’re jealous that I was thinking about another guy. You don’t actually think I love the person. You are so insecure you were upset that I dare think of anyone but you.” A smile tugged at the corners of my lips even as pity filled me. “That’s so sad,” I said before I could stop myself.
Sterling looks about ready to explode as his face goes red and his mouth tries to form words but instead makes a series of noises like a cartoon character might.
