“No, nothing, she just wasn’t at The Black Cat.”
“You’re worried,” Lana murmurs.
I nod, a frown tugging at my mouth.
“I know you are,” she says, “but just be patient. I know you know how it can be for her.”
“I do,” I rasp. “That’s why I want to help her.”
“Rowan.” Lana sighs. “Natalia is strong and stubborn, in the best way. Sometimes, she doesn’t know what to do when someone offers her help. She doesn’t always know how to accept it. And sometimes it hurts us, I know that. But other times, we have to give it anyway even if she resists or pushes us always because, no matter what, she needs it just as much as everyone else.”
I nod.
“Just don’t give up on her,” Lana says quietly. “And if you plan to…
“I don’t plan to.”Ever.
“I know,” she says. “But, as her best friend, I am requiredto threaten to hurt you if you hurt her.”
I snort, humorlessly, no matter how much I try to sound genuine. “Can we sit and talk?” I ask. “If you’re free for a few.”
“Of course.” She gives me a warm, kind smile. “Just give me one sec.” Lana scurries away, quickly removing the Books and Beans apron and washing her hands before returning.
Lana sits across from me, folding her arms on the table and patiently waiting. Over her shoulder, I spot Christian filling shelves and casting a glance her way every so often. I ignore him, for now.
“Lana, I don’t know what to do,” I finally say with an exasperated sigh.
“I know.” She puts a comforting hand on my trembling one. “But I think you understand better than most guys ever have. You love her, Rowan.”
My nod is stiff—clipped. Her hand squeezes mine ever so lightly.
“This piece of advice may sound…silly, but I swear it’s the only thing that matters sometimes.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“Just keep loving her.”
“Loving her is the easy part,” I say. “I just…” I sigh and rub a hand down my face. “She pushes me away, Lana.All the time.”
Lana frowns. “I know. Like I said, she’s stubborn—defensive of herself and her heart.”
“She opens up to me then shuts down out of nowhere sometimes,” I whisper-shout. “What the hell am I supposed to do?”
“I’m sorry I don’t have the answer to that.” Lana frowns. “But I know where you’re coming from. If it helps, Christian was the same way for a bit. Slowly, I just learned that it was his way of coping. It was a slow, careful way to let me in. He gave then took, but the next time he gave, he gave triple. It happened again and again until the gates went up and the walls were down, and I was in. Sometimes it’s one step forward and two steps back. I know that it doesn’t feelfair.”
I shake my head.
“I know,” she sighs. “But sometimes, patience is what love really is, Rowan. And I know you love her, we all do. And she knows it too.”
“She’s so scared, Lana.”
Lana’s nod is clipped too. “It isn’t my place to talk about her feelings toward you, but I think that much is obvious.”
“Lana…” I sigh and tug at my hair until pain sparks. “I know she feels something. Iknow.”
“I know.” Lana sighs behind tight lips, and she obviously wants to say something but won’t. “Look, Rowan, you’re doing everything you can. You are doing everything right and sticking by her. You want the best for her.Youare one of the best things for her. I just—I can’t say much?—”
“It isn’t your place, I know,” I say with a sniffle. “I’m sorry.”
