Page 151 of The Plus One Pact

He smiles in a dopey in-love way I don't recognize. But that's on me. I haven't been looking.

I haven't been here.

I let all my bullshit come between us.

Daniel had plenty of his own, but I didn't give him a chance to play, really. Not with our communication consisting entirely of lies.

He still doesn't know Ivy and I weren't really dating. But I think that's an acceptable white lie.

After all, I really felt things for her. So, what's it matter what we technically called the relationship?

"Have you talked to her?" The man seems to read my mind.

"Not yet."

"Why not?"

"I don't know what to say."

"That doesn't sound like you," he says.

"It's a strange sensation."

Again, he smiles in that knowing older brother way. "You really like her."

"You keep saying that."

"It continues to surprise me." He turns and raises a brow. "I listened to the episodes, the two she apparently recorded here."

"Oh? Any notes on my performance?"

He waves me away. "It sounds like she really likes you. Maybe you should reach out. Let her know it's okay she shared that. It is okay, isn't it?"

"I told her she could tell anyone," I say. "Technically, yes."

"But you didn't think she was using you for content?" He smiles in a knowing way. "Yeah, she crossed a line, but I think you could learn something, too. You're too used to being in control, Rome. But that's not love. You have to let go. You have to trust someone else with the reigns."

"What if they steer you off the cliff?"

"Then you pick yourself up and climb back up the hill."

"Sounds fucking painful," I say.

"It is." He nods. "But it's worth it."

I reach for my phone reflexively. Stop myself just in time.

He shakes his head. "You have half an hour. And you know Cynthia is going to be late. So more like forty-five minutes."

"An hour even."

He smiles that same lovesick smile. "Give her a chance."

I suppose I could at least send her a can we talk text.

I unlock my phone, open my messaging app, start typing. Can we talk is too simple. I need to say more. To say I really like you. Or I know this was my idea. How can I fault you for not sharing all these details when I asked you do this, no matter what?

But I feel betrayed anyway.