Page 127 of The Manny

“Yes. Our relationship is fine the way it is.”

“I disagree. You’re making it awkward.”

“Well, no one is forcing you to stay. In fact, if you keep pushing, you may find yourself out of a job, Thomas.”

He scowled. “Why do you always do that? I try to talk to you, and you threaten me with my job.”

I chuffed. “Well… I don’t know how else to make you stop talking.”

He gave a grudging laugh. “That’s surprisingly candid, coming from you.”

I grimaced. “Look, I’ll admit I lost my cool a minute ago. But what’s done is done.”

“Admitting that is something at least,” he said softly.

“So… are we through here?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Everything was going great until Gus made up those lies about me. You just shut me out immediately.”

“Jesus, Thomas, just let it go.”

“I can’t,” he hissed. “I hate how you are around me now.”

“You just have to get over that.” I scowled. “I’m handling things the best way I can. I should never have gotten involved with you. I’m… happier alone.”

“You’re many things, but happy is not one of them.”

I let out a tired sigh. “Look, again, I apologize for chasing off your… date. But you need to accept that I don’t know how to give you any more than I’m giving you right now. I know you don’t like it, but I can’t help how I’m built.”

Frustration rippled through his blue eyes. “But that’s not true. You can help it. You can change. I know this because of how you’ve changed toward Mia.”

“I had no choice with Mia. She’s a little kid.” I met his searching gaze, my stomach churning. “I have a choice with you. I… I choose not to pursue things with you. Do you understand?”

He winced. “I see.”

“Let’s just put tonight behind us, and accept that we are where we are. Otherwise, you’ll have to leave, Thomas. That’s just the reality.”

A muscle worked in his jaw, and I thought for a moment he was going to continue arguing. But then all of the fight seemed to drain from him, and he shrugged. “Fine.”

Relieved, I let out a shaky breath. “Good. I… I don’twantyou to leave.”

“No?”

“Mia adores you,” I said softly, not bothering to mention I’d hate for him to go. Admitting that wouldn’t help anything. It would make things harder for him.

“Right. Mia.” He moved toward the door. “I guess I’ll say goodnight.”

“Yes. Goodnight, Thomas.” I turned away and made sure not to look over again, until I heard the sound of the door closing. Once he was safely gone, I slumped with relief.

It probably would have been smarter to fire Thomas. If tonight had shown me anything it was that controlling my jealousy was going to be a problem. While I could stop him from bringing guysintomy home, I couldn’t stop him from dating all together. Eventually he’d get serious with someone.

Please don’t let that someone be Crispin.

I hated the idea of Thomas with anyone, but especially Crispin. From what Scott had said Crispin was fairly promiscuous. That was his business, but it didn’t set well with me that Thomas would get involved with a guy like that. Unfortunately, I had no power over him. He could see who he wanted because I’d broken things off with him. I’d done this to myself.

What is it about me that scares you?

I hadn’t been able to answer him because the answer was pathetic:Everything. Everything about Thomas scared me. Ireallyliked Thomas. The feelings I had for him, both physical and emotional, were terrifyingly strong. But… I didn’twantto feel them. Being alone felt normal to me. Comforting. It was easier just to face that truth, rather than reach for some intangible happiness I wasn’t meant to have. I wouldn’t know how to be in a relationship. I couldn’t even picture trying.

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