“You could’ve helped me out with the twin-swap thing.”
“Right, like I’m going to pose for you at her family party.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time we swapped for a girl.”
“Trading places in high school is a lot different than swapping as adults.”
“But Summer would be in on it.”
“Summer doesn’t want to beinon it. She probably feels super awkward because of the kiss.”
“What? Now you guys aren’t going to get along because of one stupid kiss?”
“I don’t even remember the kiss.” What he doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him. “I’m sure it’s more awkward for Summer.”
“I have to work Wednesday night, so I guess her family can just hate me even more.”
“You know the relationship isn’t going to last, right?”
He laughs, but it comes across as more frustrated than humorous. “Why? Because I won’t go to one party, or because her family hates me?”
“Because you don’t love her.”
It’s plain to see. I knew they weren’t a good match within the first minute of seeing them together.
“We’re not to that point yet. We’ve only been dating nine months.”
“Nine months is plenty of time to get to that point.”
He’s been dating Summer for nine months but doesn’t consider it serious—that’s so like Justin. He can’t commit to something unless he’s overanalyzed it to death, including love. This relationship has probably been in the grave for the last four months, but neither one of them wants to admit it.
“Summer and I move slow, and you saw us at our worst tonight.”
“So this was just an off night, and you do love her?”
“Are you part of the ‘Define the Relationship’ team? What’s with the interrogation?”
“Asking if you love your girlfriend shouldn’t feel like an interrogation.”
“I told you, we’re not that serious.”
“Are you sure she feels the same way? Because she seemed pretty serious about you.”
He rolls his eyes like he’s been cornered and is finally ready to start telling the truth. “Summer might be more serious about the relationship than I am. I’m just so busy that it’s hard to keep up with her. I mean, she saidIloveyouafter only five months.”
“Did you say it back?”
His shrug is his answer.
“If you’re not feeling it, why not just end things with her? Make your life a little easier.”
“Because maybe I don’t want to end things with her. I just haven’t had the time to really think through how I feel about her, and until I do, it’s easier to just keep things going between us.”
“So you’re buying time with her until you decide whether or not you love her?”
“I guess so.” He shrugs again. “Besides, she loves this time of year. She’s kind of clingy and hates to be alone. So even if I did decide I wasn’t feeling it, breaking her heart right before the holidays would just be cruel.”
No, cruel is leading her on. She’s in love with him and doesn’t even realize he doesn’t feel the same way.
