Page 106 of Love or Leave

Max rolled his eyes. "Yes—me."

Cara narrowed her eyes at him, her mind running a mile a minute. "Did you tell him about the poker tournament, too?"

Another nod.

What in the? Now Max was playing matchmaker? For her and Antonio?

"Oh my God," Cara said, rubbing at the knot in her chest. She never thought Max would help Antonio date her.

How did Antonio pull that off?

"Please," Chelsea said, her face scrunched up. "Tell us what happened."

"He came to the observatory, and I called him a stalker," Cara said.

Natalie snorted a laugh. "Then what?"

"He said he missed me, and loved me, and was sorry, and I said we can be friends."

Her friends all winced in unison, discomfort passing through them like a wave.

"He said he loves you?" Willow asked.

Cara shrugged. "Yeah, but I don't know if I believe him."

Willow's jaw dropped.

"What? You all believe him?" Cara asked.

Everyone immediately nodded, but she tuned them out. The only person she looked at was Max. He stood still, holding her gaze.

"I thought this was what you wanted," Max said.

"You're actuallyokaywith this?"

Max huffed out a sigh. "I'm still pissed that you both lied and snuck around, but yes—if it’s what you want."

Did she want to be with Antonio? Yes.But it was more complicated than that.

"I do," Cara finally said.

"Then what's the problem?" Max asked.

Cara dropped her chin. "He's too good of a liar. I don't even know what to believe anymore."

Max nodded. "You need a spreadsheet."

"Oh my—no," Adam said.

Max glared at him before turning back to Cara. "Fine, no spreadsheet. Let's just verbally go through the facts. One, he signed the papers."

"People remarry their exes all the time," Cara countered. "He's cheated before. Remember?"

Max shook his head. "You're not being fair. That was before, and he was in special fucked-up circumstances."

"He loves you and he's trying," Willow said. "Add that to the pros column."

"Con. He told me he rented that studio apartment so he could go home as soon as Fran agreed. Is he still there? Did he actually move into a new place?"

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