Page 129 of Men or Paws

Before I could analyze my thoughts further, Marcello wagged his finger at me. “Quit thinking and start eating.”

I wrinkled my nose and stared inside the bowl. “What’s in there? It looks weird.”

Marcello sighed. “Two hard boiled eggs, one avocado, mayonnaise, and mustard.”

I nodded, took a bite, and chewed.

Then I took another bite before glancing over at Marcello and arching an eyebrow.

It was pretty good, actually.

Marcello shook his head. “Don’t look so surprised.”

The bowl was empty in less than two minutes.

“Okay . . .” Marcello rubbed his hands together. “We need to talk. Seriously. This has gone on long enough and you need to make some important decisions.”

“You mean, like what’s for dessert?”

I was the king of avoidance these days.

Marcello widened his stance and crossed his arms, glaring at me like he owned the place. “Listen up, buttercup. Spielberg had been waiting for an answer and Oliver is pissed off at me because I can’t get you to answer your phone. You told Josh you wanted to talk with him, but dropped the ball there. Not to mention the fact that you let the best thing that has ever happened to you walk out the door.”

“I had no idea she was going to put me on the spot like that. I thought we’d figure out a way to make it work.”

“But did you really? Because it seems to me that you just gave up.”

I shook my head. “I didn’t give up, Beth did. She’s the one who walked away.”

“You let her. You were just thinking about yourself and what’s best for you. Well, take it from a guy who has been happily married for five years now . . . That’s not how relationships work. You need to put the other person first if you want to have a fighting chance at something that lasts. I’m not saying give up on who you are, but really take into consideration her feelings and opinions before making a decision. That’s how love works.”

I stared at him. “Whoa—I didn’t mention anything about love.”

Laughter rumbled deep from within Marcello. “Oh, give me a break. I’m not a fool. You love her, but just don’t want to admit it. You’re scared.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Oh, no? Then why haven’t you looked at that card and gift she left for you? They’ve been sitting on your desk for over a week. I’ll tell you why. Because you’re afraid of what you might find when you open it. Or what that card might say, heaven forbid it’s something sentimental.”

“You’re so wrong,” I said.

Marcello shrugged. “Yeah? Well, prove it then. Open the card and the gift.”

“Fine. I will.”

He stared at me. “Now.”

I hesitated, then shook my head. “You’re a pain in the butt, do you know that?”

Marcello laughed. “That’s what you pay me for. To keep you organized and keep you in line.”

“Whatever.” I walked to the office and grabbed the gift and card from my shelf, then took them both back to the kitchen and set them on the counter.

Marcello just watched me and waited.

I sighed, opened the envelope, and slid out the card, reading the front.

Fate decides who comes into your life. Your heart decides who stays.