“Or maybe he sounds like me. But Spence, you need to know, once you walk out of this office, things are going to change.”
“I know.”
“Those boys say a lot of things about their sister, but they’re fiercely protective of her. I know this, because so am I. I don’t want to see her get hurt. No one does.”
“I’m not about to hurt her.”
“I don’t want to see you get hurt either.”
“I think that’s more likely to happen,” I say grimly.
There are a few possibilities here: My life will change the moment I walk onto the set of that show. Either I can win Lyra’s heart, or she sends me packing without letting me take a shot.
Or I take that shot and find out it’s not going to work. That’s a possibility as well. But I’m not looking at the third option, just the first two.
They are terrifying enough.
“I don’t know what goes on in that girl’s head, but there is a lot of you in there,” Dad continues while I fight with my fear. “Have you spoke to your sisters? Sophie might have some insight how to best win her over.”
“No offence, but if I can’t do it myself, I don’t deserve her.”
“That is true. She’s just had her first date with a guy.”
That jolts me and I stand up. “I don’t want to waste any more time.”
“I concur. I don’t think you should.” He stands up. “Keep me posted.”
“I’m not sure I can, but I’ll try to get in touch with you and let you know if anything happens.” I take a deep breath. “And if nothing happens… well, I’ll be home in a week or so.”
He nods. “One more thing that’s going to change? There’ll be no more hiding in the shadows for you. You do this, you better be all in. For all of it.”
That doesn’t help.
But the arm slung around my shoulder does as he walks me to the door, as does the hand splayed at back of my neck as my father hugs me. “Good luck, my boy. I’d say you don’t need it, but this is Lyra we’re talking about.”
12
Lyra
T
heseconddateisa group one. I think carefully about who to bring on this date, unlike picking Asani because I was tired and wanted to go to bed.
Asani left without saying goodbye. I can’t say that I’m surprised.
He would have hated this date as well, because we’re going whale watching today.
Growing up in a country on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean means that whale watching isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve gone out on a boat at least once a summer for most of my life.
There’s something about being in the middle of the ocean, close to the giant, magnificent creatures, that does it for me.
Birds and whales. Who would have thought?
I take my time deciding, because I don’t want a dud out on a boat with me.
I pick men whom I see a potential to have a relationship with. There needs to be attraction and interest. Intrigue would be better. Fascination would be the best, but I tell myself I just don’t know the men that well yet.
I settlefor men that I’m curious about, and I hate to admit that it takes me time to decide on my choice for the seven I invite to go with me.
