Andrea rolled her head to the side to give him a sarcastic glance.“And let me guess, you’d be happy to be the one to provide it.”
“If you’ll let me.”Michael stopped and faced her.“I’m attracted to you, Andrea.Plain and simple.And I felt like tonight went well.If you’ll let me, I’d like to see you more in whatever capacity you’ll allow.Friends or more.”
Well, she would say one thing for him, he was honest like he’d said.Instead of answering, Andrea stated, “We should head back.”
She didn’t miss the look of disappointment on Michael’s face.She felt like a coward for not answering him, but it was better this way.
Chapter 15
“How was your date?”Maya asked with a twinkle in her eyes as if she knew how good it was.
“How did you know?”Andrea got an image of Maya pressed up against her window spying on them.Or worse, with a pair of binoculars.
Maya laughed as if it was of no consequence she knew about Andrea’s personal life.“Honey, not much happens in this neighborhood without someone knowing about it.”
It was true.Just one of the many reasons she usually kept to herself.Her personal business should be just that—personal, not neighborhood gossip.
“So are you going to tell me about it?”
“There isn’t much to tell.”At least nothing she was willing to admit to Maya.“We had a nice dinner, went for a walk along the beach, and came back.He didn’t stay longer than to say good night.”He hadn’t even tried to kiss her.
“You don’t look happy about that.”
“About what?Him not staying?On the contrary, I’m thrilled,” Andrea said, sounding defensive.She shouldn’t have to explain her feelings to Maya.
“Thrilled?”Maya questioned, not looking convinced.
“Yes, because now he will see we aren’t compatible, and he’ll finally leave me alone.”
“And that’s what you want?”Maya asked, sounding doubtful.
“Why do you keep asking me that?”Andrea clamped her mouth shut when she realized she was yelling and stood up, needing to move as she suddenly felt restless.“Yes, that is what I want,” she stated, sounding much calmer and attempting confidence.She felt like a ship in the storm being tossed about in the pitch black, not knowing where to go to find a shore.
She’d never felt conflicted about her feelings before.It was just that Michael was nothing like she’d thought.She’d enjoyed his company even if there were times she wanted to strangle him.
Andrea heard Maya move behind her, but she didn’t turn around when she felt the woman there.“I’m not going to pretend I understand why you keep to yourself so much.Your reasons are your own, but I will say, if you keep hiding, you’ll be hiding for the rest of your life, and that’s no way to live.Life is meant to be enjoyed and lived; it’s not about just going through the motions.”
Her words were like a knife in Andrea’s heart.She knew what Maya said was true, but she was scared to live.If she let her guard down for a second, it could be the death of her.
Andrea cleared her throat.“I appreciate your concern, Maya, but I’m not hiding or anything of the sort.I just prefer a quiet simple life, and a man will just complicate that.”
Maya hmphed.
Andrea turned to face her now.“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It’s a cop-out.”
Andrea reared back as if slapped.She had never heard Maya be so harsh before.“It is not.”
“You like that boy, and you’re afraid of your feelings,” Maya remarked, pointing a gnarled finger in her face.
Once again, Maya was right, and Andrea hated her for that.“So what if I am?”Andrea shouted, throwing her hands up in the air and pacing again before stopping and facing Maya who hadn’t moved.“It doesn’t change that I want my life to stay as it is.”
“Who says it doesn’t have to?”
“What?”Andrea hadn’t expected that response.
“Who says your life has to change because you like someone?”
