I think that’s precisely why they break.
Three dots. Nothing. Then they were back and lingered, blinking. She wiped her sweaty palms on her pants.
“Come on, already. Don’t write a damn essay!”
Another minute ticked by with nothing but those three dots, and then, finally, a reply. A wall of text:
I was watching a show years ago, was really into it, and there was this couple that everyone was crazy about. Typical stuff, handsome bad boy with tragic past and closed off woman. She hates him, he thinks she’s hot and sees her as a challenge. He pursues her, even though she pretty much says, go kick rocks ONE MILLION DIFFERENT WAYS.
Of course they fall in love, right? And there was this one scene where she says something like, “You broke down all my walls.” People were swooning over it, and all I felt was revulsion.
I get it that we connect differently with different people, and we sometimes feel a kinship that goes beyond what should exist already, given the time you know each other, but I just… I don’t want to break down your walls or have you break your rules, whether I ask for that or not.
Penelope exhaled sharply, then read the entire message again. Her chest tightened.
What do you want, then?
For you to be comfortable enough to open your doors and sit down with me, I guess. For your framework to expand to fit me in. I don’t want to break anything.
“God,” Penelope pressed out and dropped the phone on the coffee table. She bent forward, her face in her hands. Shaking her head, she picked it up again.
I don’t know what to say to that.
You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to know that. I don’t want you to think this is a game to me.
I gather. And I appreciate that.
But?
She sighed. Who pushed forward into such emotional depth without a second of hesitation, with no fear? Lucia, she supposed.
There is a lot at stake, and you… You’re blurring all lines for me.
Should we press pause? Maybe only interact when it relates to our plans and certain Italian women?
Penelope choked out a laugh.
That would be the smartest thing to do, yes.
But you don’t want that?
No.She closed her eyes.
I don’t either, but maybe it’s a good idea. You know, lower the temperature, get through this business, and then maybe see where we stand?
What? You think it’s all the danger and excitement that draws us to each other?
No. I never said that. You are…confusing. On one hand, you say you don’t want this and try to push me away, but then you protest when I suggest taking a step back.
You’re right. I apologize. I’m usually not this indecisive. Penelope worried at her lower lip. As I said, you’re different. A variable I cannot account for, and it messes with my head. But that’s not a bad thing! I mean, it sounds like it but… It’s not like I want you to leave.
“Oh my God, Pen! You’re pathetic!” Her shout startled Fuller. “Oh, sorry, baby.” She petted her. “Your human is an idiot.”
Is that your way of saying I’m irresistible?
Penelope rubbed her face.You’re something, all right.
Another laughing emoji from Lucia followed.
