Page 45 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

Gia sighed. As much as she didn’t want to tell Tom he’d been right, she could use a shoulder to cry on, even if it was only over the phone.

“Okay. So you know how I told you he was so honest and forthcoming and that I had nothing to worry about?”

“How could I forget?” Tom said.

Gia hesitated. “That was all, sadly, not the story. He had a girlfriend all this time, until just recently. He broke up with her last weekend.”

Tom went quiet for a beat. “And?”

“And I’ve been flirting with him and making a fool of myself because I liked him, thinking he was single. He only told me so I wouldn’tget the wrong idea—his words. Apparently, I’ve had the wrong idea all along. I wish I had known a lot sooner.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you didn’t make a fool of yourself. It’s not even possible. You’re enchanting. Men fall under your spell. We’re hopeless around you.”

If only that were true. Gia smiled in spite of herself. Tom always cheered her up when she needed it.

“So they’re broken up?” Tom asked.

“Yeah. I didn’t get any details. He just said things weren’t working out for them.” She sighed. “I feel like such an idiot.”

Tom cleared his throat. “I’m so sorry, sweetie. Did he say anything else?”

“Not really. Just kind of made it clear I should back off.”

Tom was quiet for a moment. “Sonot cool.”

“Don’t sayI told you so.”

“I won’t.”

Gia was glad to have Tom for a friend. She took a pillow from the couch and hugged it against her chest then pulled her bare feet up onto the seat.

“I feel so ridiculous. I should’ve asked him straight out if he was involved with anyone before I went and got my hopes up. I mean—he never made a move or anything. It just seemed like—well, we just seemed to click. That’s all. I thought he wanted to start out as friends and see what developed. It sounds so stupid now when I say it out loud. I should’ve realized something was up.”

She’d gone and done it again—like so many times before, allowing her generous and trusting nature to steer the wheel. She’d assumed that Seth was being completely upfront and forthright when he’d asked her to hang out with him or celebrate a great turnout at the festival. He might’ve even been planning to hit on her while he was still with his girlfriend, come to think of it! But the girl had apparently dumped him before he could.

And all this time, Gia had questioned nothing. When was she going to learn?

“It doesn’t sound stupid.” Tom’s voice was compassionate. “He shouldn’t have messed with your head. He was leading you on by not telling you.”

Gia was quiet again. “I know. It kinda feels like that, too.”

Gia switched the phone from one ear to the other. “Anyway, thanks, sweetie.” She sniffled. “I guess I’m glad I know, now. It’s better than carrying on like a fool.”

Tom was quiet on the other end again before he spoke. “Are you gonna be all right? I can come over tonight and bring some ice cream. We can watch old movies and drink too much—get over this in record time?”

Gia laughed half-heartedly. “No, it’s okay. But thanks. Kira and Marcy are coming over later. I’m sure they’ll cheer me up. I’ll take a rain check for the next time I do something stupid, though. Okay?”

He laughed. “You didn’t do anything stupid, Gia. Guys are trouble. Don’t ever forget that. Except me.”

Gia chuckled and took a deep breath. “You really are one of the good ones, aren’t you?”

“If only you’d give me a chance.”

She laughed.

“Well, thanks. I’m glad you called.”

“Anytime—seriously. You know where to find me. I’ll talk to you later.” He hung up.

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