Chapter Seven
RAYA
After spending the past few days dragging myself around my house, taking too many naps and not drinking nearly enough water, I’ve found the strength to get dressed. My mind was constantly spinning, full of thoughts I didn’t want to think.
The mental rollercoaster I’ve been on finally came to a stop—but not before making me overthink every life choice I’ve ever made.
There were even points I was overthinking my career, butthat’swhen I was able to finally get myself out of my funk. At least for now.
I adore my job, my viewers, and the community that I’ve built. There’s no way I’d ever give it up, not even for my stupid brain.
Now,Arman, he’s the thing I can’t figure out. Am I making the right decision by getting to know him? Or is it the wrong one?
I need someone to talk some sense into me. Specifically, Orie. She’ll tell me I’m being crazy spendinganytime with Arman.
Bursting my way into the store, I quickly scan for any other customers before I begin to spout off my rant. With no one in sight, I rush toward the counter.
Orie looks up from behind it, where she was quickly scribbling something down onto paper. “Hey, here to talk about your new boyfriend?”
My new…what? He’s not my boyfriend—not even close. But how did she know that I’m here to talk about Arman? Gods, she knows me so well.
“He’s not my boyfriend—I don’t even know if I like him. He’s irritating, and pushy, and tricky.” I shake my head vigorously.
Orie raises a brow at me. “For not liking him, you sure do talk about him, like, all the time.”
I stare at her with wide eyes. “I donottalk about him all the time.”
“Yeah, you really do.” She grins. “Basically every day since you first ran into him, you’ve either talked to me about him or texted me about him.”
Oh, my Gods, Idotalk about him all the time. Well, it’s only because he’s the only new thing to have happened in my life in forever. That’s it, it’s not because I like him.
I don’t. But, oh,I so do.
While I said that he’s irritating, pushy, and tricky—all true things—he’s also so sweet, attentive, and gentle. There’s a lot more to him than I expected.
“And didn’t you two go on a date?” She reminds me of ouronetime getting dinner.
Shaking my head, I deny it. “No—that wasn’t a date. That was his chance to explain himself for what we saw.”
Her eyebrow rises as a smile graces her lips. “Explain himself? Orredeemhimself?”
I open my mouth, but snap it shut instantly. I can’t lie to her, even if I try. She has some way of seeing right through me, which is how she weaseled her way into my life.
“Who paid?” she asks, crossing her arms.
“He did…” I blink at her.
She takes a step closer. “And who chose the restaurant?”
“He did that too…” My stomach twirls, a mixture of excitement and nerves at the realization.
Her smile expands as she takes another step. “And was there any flirting, or maybe some innocent,accidentaltouches?”
“Maybe…” My cheeks instantly get hot.
She crosses her arms in front of her. “And didn’t you guys walk along the beach the next day?”
I don’t say anything, I just nod at her, my cheeks feeling like they might be on fire now.
