Page 119 of Love Arranged

“Why do you care?” She looks up at me with those watery eyes of hers that threaten my self-control.

“I already told you yesterday—you’re important to me.” Whether I like it or not.

“How am I supposed to trust you after everything that’s happened?”

“You don’t have to, but if you choose to anyway, I’ll workon doing the same.” I take a deep breath and hold it before adding, “I don’t like seeing you cry or upset. It makes me feel helpless, and as someone who craves control, that is…difficult.”

Admitting the truth aloud must’ve done the trick because Lily finally opens up about Daisy. I know most of the details already, but I pretend I don’t. I soak up her emotions, from the brightness in her eyes when she talks about visiting Daisy to the way they glisten when she mentions someone wanting to adopt her on Monday.

I’ve spent most of my life being an emotional escape artist because feelings feed my anxiety. But with Lily, I’m more affected by her unhappiness than my own worries, and I’m driven by the desire to solve her problems.

“Do you want to adopt her?” I ask.

“I can’t.” Her voice cracks. “My mom’s allergic.”

“What about Rafa? He has a farm full of animals.”

She shakes her head. “He’s got enough going on with the ones he adopted.”

“What’s one more?”

She lets out a soft laugh, and it eases some of the pressure in my lungs like someone thrust a chest tube inside me.

“It’s too much. He already told me so.Twice.” A single tear rolls down her face, and I wipe it away, only for another to replace it.

More continue to fall, ruining my efforts to stop them. “I knew she’d find a home because she’s the sweetest, cutest girl.”Impossible. “But…” Her voice cracks, along with my resolve.

Fuck.

I take a step back and brush my hands through my wet hair.I never imagined adopting a dog after the traumatic experience that happened with my last one, but I’m not opposed to the idea if it makes Lily happy.

If that is considered selfish, so be it. My actions will be balanced out by all Lily’s selfless ones, like two weighing scales striving for karmic equilibrium.

“I’ll contact the vet,” I say, a bit too gruff.

She turns to look at me with wide eyes. “What?”

“I want to meet Daisy and see what’s so special about her.” Technically that is true.

“Why?”

I ignore her question and head to my suitcase. It’s organized with the dirty clothes tucked into a separate bag, but I make a show of refolding my clean clothes.

She places a hand on my shoulder and wills me to turn around.

I don’t.

“Lorenzo,” she says in that too-sweet voice of hers.

You will not yield, no matter how sweet she sounds.

I start counting my underwear because why did I pack ten pairs for a two-night stay? Did I plan to shit myself multiple times?

Unfortunately Lily doesn’t give up. “Since when do you want to adopt a pet?”

“It’s a recent interest.”Now stop asking me any more questions, I silently beg.

I should’ve known it was a wasted effort because she probes some more.