Page 108 of Say It Isn't So

At one time, the thought of being the object of affection for two women seemed like the coolest thing in the world. But now as an adult, I knew it was anything but that, and I needed to tread lightly and make smart decisions for everyone involved.

Smart decision number one had just been made where Bianca was concerned.

Now I was on to smart decision number two so I could put this Rina thing to bed one way or another. But it was all going to take baby steps.

* * *

Bianca

Oh, Knox had no idea, the poor guy. But there was something there with Rina, all right—a woman who was not very good at taking a hint. No hate for Rina, but come on, she’d been making Knox’s head spin since London, popping back up at every turn, even where she hadn’t been wanted. I didn’t know about you, but it seemed to me like it was time Knox made arealdecision. Because, let’s be real, choosing Rina because he thought it was therightthing to do did not count.

Honestly, I supposed I preferred it this way, that way when I finally did break him—because I would—there’d be no question.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Bianca

Allegra:Aw, that’s sweet that Knox did that for you.

Bianca:More like TO me. I was crystal clear that I wanted to be with him. Hello, I gave up on my aversion to building a deep connection with someone because of my fear of loss for him.

Maria:He thought he was doing the right thing so Dad can get over this and you two can move on. If you ask me, it makes Knox even more likable.

Allegra:Don’t mind Bibi, she doesn’t know what a real, healthy relationship looks like.

Bianca:*eye roll* Ha! Ha! I told you, what Knox and I have isn’t just physical, so I think what we have is real and healthy. It’s refreshing, actually.

Perla:I agree with Bibi on this one. It’s sweet of Knox, but also annoying. Frankie tried to do the same thing with me. Well, sort of. He was trying to be nice and keep the lines clear. He insisted I was his fake wife and nothing more, but then those lines blurred, and I practically begged him to make a move already.

Allegra:Men need coaxing.

Bianca:Exactly! Which is why I’m going to make sure I coax the heck out of Knox. Hmm, that sounds weird. You know what I mean.

Perla:Diamonds are made from pressure.

Maria:And that concludes our science lesson for the day.

Allegra:What does Frankie think? We need a guy’s opinion.

Perla:Okay, hold on.

Bianca:I need ideas, though. We’re physically attracted to one another, so I’m definitely going to use that. We have great conversations, but that’s not going to help me here. So what else? Come on, sisters! Ideas, please.

Maria:Innuendos. People love those, right?

Allegra:It depends on the innuendo.

Perla:I’m back. Frankie told me to tell you, Bibi, that you’re doing the right thing. If Knox is going to be all noble, then he’s not going to see reason. You have to make him see the error of his ways.

Allegra:Men!

Bianca:Thank Frankie for me.

Allegra:Oooh, you can always walk around the house wearing lingerie.

Maria:Are you doing that with Brady there?

Allegra:What? No, of course not. But I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to have a male roommate. The other day I caught him working out shirtless and nearly choked on my own saliva.