Roman: No more Lucca explosions?
Me: I might like her.
Callum: Again, I can’t be a part of this. If you want someone to set you up, Lucca, talk to my wife.
Me: I don’t need to be set up. I am perfectly capable of getting myself a date. I just want to cool things off with McCrae. I’m ready to end the war.
Zev: But she’s still fighting?
Me: Something like that. Again—how do you convince a woman that she doesn’t dislike you? I’ve NEVER had this problem before. Roman?
Roman: I’m not answering that.
Callum: Maybe just try being nice to her.
Me: I literally gave her nephew the shirt off my back. She was unimpressed.
Zev: Did you give it to him to impress her? If so, your motives were corrupt.
Roman: Yeah, man. Even I know that won’t cut it. You have to be sincere.
Me: Roman, how did you convince Stella that she liked you?
Roman: Number one—no one convinces Stella of anything. She decides. Second—I think Callum and Zev are right. You need pure motives. If you truly like her now and you want her to like you, you need honest intentions. Be nice. Maybe don’t lose it on the field when she makes a fair call.
Me: Did the Graveyard just tell ME not to lose it?
Zev: He’s got a point, Roman.
Callum: Yeah… even I find that funny.
Roman: I’m right, though.
Zev: 100%
Callum: Yep. Listen.
Nice? I’m always nice.
Are my motives always pure? Maybe not.
But they are this time. In some ways, Maggie might remind me a little of my vovó. Which is strange, because I don’t even know her reasoning for taking care of her nephew the way she does. His mom seems more than capable. She also seemed happy to let Maggie lead. Maybe she’s like that because the kid’s father is absent. Maybe that’s just how she is.
Either way, I’m the nicest guy I know. And my motives aren’t selfish. They are curious. They are peaceful and war-ending. What’s more pure than that?
I warm leftoversfrom the pasta I made last night and sit down with my phone in hand.
Nice. Friendly. I can do that.
Easy.
Me: How’s Wyatt?
This time, she doesn’t make me wait.
Maggie: You’re texting me. Again.
Me: I am. Wyatt?
