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“Do you really think Jaden would just stop seeing you for no reason and move on to someone else?”
“When he gets bored like most men do, yeah.”
“I don’t think you believe that. Jaden seems pretty structured to me. From the moment I met him, he’s been nothing but open and charismatic.”
Claudia bit the inside her jaw thinking about Samiyah’s words.
“You’re saying this vibe we’ve got going is real?”
“I don’t see why not, but the only way for you to know for sure is to ask. What’s the worst that can happen? At least then you’ll be clear about his intentions, and if you need to pull back to protect your heart, then do so.”
“I’ve kind of already started.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve been dodging his calls, and when I do answer the phone, I keep it short and sweet.”
“How do you want this to turn out? I’m asking just for the sake of knowing what you want.”
Claudia flipped her heels off with the curve of her feet and pulled them into her chair as she pondered. “I want more. I want to know him in every way, be his shoulder to cry on, love him, mentally, physically, in every way possible.”
A small smile appeared on Samiyah’s face. “That’s what you tell him, sweetie.”
“Samiyah, I can’t tell him that.”
“Why not?”
“I’m a coward. What if that’s not what he wants, I’d be crushed. I’d rather just continue to ignore his calls and blow him off to save myself the heartache.”
“Then you’ll always wonder what if. And whenever you come over to our place you’ll possibly be in his company. Can you imagine, Jaden with a girlfriend, wife or confidant other than you?”
The images assaulted Claudia’s mind, and her stomach churned. By the look on her face, Samiyah guessed she didn’t like that picture at all.
“Exactly,” Samiyah said. “But it’s inevitably up to you.”
Claudia’s head fell into her hands, and she groaned.
“Find your courage. I’ve witnessed you grow since we were teenagers. If anyone deserves their happily ever after, it’s you. Don’t be discouraged because of what you think can happen. Go for it with everything you’ve got.”