Page 65 of Love Arranged

And shecalls you BABY?

Manny

I’m kind of jealous.

Since I feelslightlybad for keeping my fake secret to myself after he helped me fix Lily’s car the other night, I reply right away instead of leaving him on read.

Me

It was a secret.

Manny

No shit. I understand why, but to find out the news from my mom?

Manny

That’s cruel. Even for you.

It’s good to know word is already spreading, but I don’t know how it’s being received, so I throw Manny an invitation in exchange for information.

Me

Come over tomorrow and I’ll explain.

Manny

Will you make up for the betrayal and let me take the Gullwing out for a ride?

He could mess with your car, the whispering voice replies, my obsession with safety always rearing its ugly head at the most inconvenient times.

You don’t have to worry if you’re inside of it with him, I reply, fighting off the intrusive thought.

But what if he crashes with you in the passenger seat?

A cold, uncomfortable feeling spreads through me.

Me

Only if you’re okay being a passenger.

Manny

I’ll convince you to let me take it out for a spin one day. Mark my words.

I’m sure he’ll try his best, but my controlling thoughts are stronger than any negotiation skills he has.

Me

Best of luck.

Manny

See you tomorrow, lover boy.

With Manny placated, I lock my phone and walk inside my house. It’s funny living in one that Julian designed given how much he detests me.

Julian made it nearly impossible to buy a house, either by outbidding me or using his connections to convince the buyer to sell to him instead. He was motivated to make sure I didn’t own a property within the town’s limits so I’d be ineligible to run for mayor, but I was fueled by more than the need to avenge my parents.