Page 165 of My Real Love Affair

“But what if he doesn’t change his mind?”

“Then you deal with that when it happens. But don’t end up missing something good because you’re scared of what might happen years from now.”

Her words made sense. Logically, I knew she was right. But in my gut, something was telling me that the longer I stayed with Austin, the more it was going to hurt when I had to face the inevitable truth. We were just too different to really work.

“I hear what you’re saying,” I said quietly. “And I appreciate it. But I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“Of falling so in love with him that I can’t walk away when I need to. I don’t want to waste years on something that’s doomed from the start. I don’t want to lose myself trying to make this work.”

Cleo shook her head. “You won’t lose yourself. That’s not who you are.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’ve watched you build an entire career on being authentically yourself,” she said. “You’re worried he’s going to change your mind about the future you decided for yourself before you were even eighteen. You’re worried you’re going to like hopping on private jets and traveling the world on a moment’s notice. If Austin Bancroft tries to make you into something you’re not, I’ll personally destroy him.”

That got a small laugh out of me.

“Okay,” I said. “Okay. Maybe I’m overthinking this.”

“You are definitely overthinking this.”

“You’re very wise today.”

“I’m very wise every day, you just don’t always pay attention.”

I smiled. “Sorry.”

“Get out of your own way, girl. Just be happy. Quit trying to control everything.”

“I know, I know.”

I loved him. That wasn’t in question. But I also loved the future I had always imagined for myself. The husband and kids and family home filled with love and laughter.

And if I had to choose between those two loves, which would I choose?

I didn’t know.

CHAPTER 51

AUSTIN

Ialmost didn’t go to the family dinner. I knew it was going to be the usual shit show. But it wasn’t at my dad’s place, so maybe I could skip some of the usual bullshit. Maybe my father would be on his best behavior and not bring up my trust fund and private life.

One could only hope.

I sat in my car outside Isaac and Mina’s home for a solid five minutes, debating whether I could get away with a last-minute excuse. Food poisoning. Car accident. Sudden amnesia about what day it was.

But Isaac had texted three times to confirm I was coming, and Mina had sent a message saying she was making my favorite dish. I couldn’t bail.

They didn’t do anything wrong. They were allies. If it was at Dad’s estate or if it was Cash demanding I show up, I would have told them to fuck off. But since it was Isaac and Mina, I couldn’t be a dick. Even if the last thing I wanted was to face my family while my relationship with Melody hung in limbo.

Three days. It had been three days since she had asked for space. Three days of minimal texts and no actual conversations. I had been spiraling, wondering if I had already lost her. Part ofme already knew the truth, but I was hanging on to a sliver of hope.

I dragged myself out of the car and to the front door. Isaac opened the door before I could knock. The guy looked like he’d been in a tornado. There was a slightly manic look in his eyes. “Thank god you’re here. Mina’s been cooking since noon and I’ve been on toddler duty. I need backup.”

As if on cue, a small human barreled around the corner and crashed directly into my legs. I looked down at my nephew Conrad, Isaac’s two-year-old son. He had dark hair like his father and his mother’s bright eyes, and he was currently hugging my knees with surprising strength.