Page 96 of Just Another Meet Cute
I gave him a weak smile. “Unfortunately, it’s not.”
“Well, this kind of sucks.”
Finally, he looked up at me and, even though his voice was light, I could see a pang of hurt in his normally happy eyes, and my stomach twisted with guilt. “I can’t say I wasn’t expecting something like this. I felt like we were drifting apart for the last week or two, but I never thought it was because of … Ian.”
“It’s not because of Ian.” I rushed to say so he wouldn’t misunderstand. My hand reached out to his elbow. “I mean, Idolike him, but my feelings for him and my feelings for you are two completely different things. I think even if Ian wasn’t around—even if I didn’t meet him first and it was just you and me—it still wouldn’t have worked out between us. No matter how much I would have wanted it to.” Funny how I said these exact words to Ian just the other day. I could only hope that Ryan could understand me better than Ian did.
The next words I said were vitally important. Not only for Ryan and me, but also for him and Ian. “I like you a lot, but I realized that it wasn’t enough or in the right way. And that it wouldn’t be fair for either of us to continue dating. With or without Ian in the picture. I mean, obviously given the choice, I would definitely choose you if I could. Your brother is soannoying.”
At that, he reluctantly laughed. “You really do know him. But I guess you can’t force things that aren’t there, right? Or deny things that are.”
“Right.”
With a sigh, Ryan laid back on top of the car; his hands stacked behind hishead as he stared up at the sky. I fidgeted back and forth for a bit since I didn’t know what to do. He tugged on my sleeve and nodded at the space next to him. Hesitating, I laid back next to Ryan.
How did he look so comfortable when the car was so hot and uncomfortable? But I’d put up with anything if it made things better.
“I like you, Nina.”
Uh-oh. Maybe things weren’t getting better after all.
My mouth opened to apologize again, but he held up his hand to stop me. “I really like you. But to be honest, I don’t think I like you likethateither. Don’t get me wrong, you’re really fun and nice. And you’ve helped me figure out a lot of things. Things I wouldn’t have the courage to do.” His face turned a little sad. “I was really hoping we could be more, but I think I was pushing things because I was lonely. I haven’t dated anyone since Liv, and it was nice to have someone by my side again.”
Turning around, I smiled at him. “I’ll always be in your corner. And you helped me too. I have a lot of family problems, and you took my mind off everything.”
He puffed out his chest a bit. “I’m glad I could be of service.”
“I know it’s too soon, but do you think maybe we could be friends later?”
“No.”
My heart sunk before Ryan carefully tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Like he’d done so many times before. But not in a flirty way. It was almost brotherly now. “Ha! Just kidding. We’ll always be friends. Even if youmeantto find Ian, you still foundmeand saved my life. And we became friends. That’ssomething that won’t ever change.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and sighed. “Plus, my family is already in love with you. I don’t think you’ll be able to escape them even if you wanted to.”
I laughed as a wave of relief rushed over me. His arm still fit around me perfectly like we were two puzzle pieces, but it was a different puzzle now. And as hurt as I was by Ian’s disappearance, I knew I would have been equally sad if Ryan vanished from my life, too. “Good, because I do like them. Honestly. And you.”
“Speaking of liking my family,” he casually said as his mouth twisted into a crooked half smile. “You and Ian, huh? I should have known something was up when we were making gio. Even Bárealized it before I did.”
My happy mood immediately vanished. I stared at the pitch-blue sky. There weren’t even any clouds to distract myself. “Uh, no, there’s no Ian and me.”
He looked surprised. “Not at all? Why?”
“It just … didn’t work out. Or couldn’t work out.”
With a frown, Ryan crossed his arms across his chest and stared at me. His head cocked to the left. “Is it because of me? Did that idiot choose me over you?”
“No!” I blurted out, not wanting him to know the truth. I didn’t deny that Ian wasn’t an idiot though.
Ryan gave a look, and I shook my head. “I told you. It’s not. Ian doesn’t even want to try. It’s like he’s scared to give it a chance. And I can’t exactly force the guy.”
“I mean, you could. But it’s up to you.”
I was dying to ask him how, but I didn’t think I would like the answer.Besides, I was done chasing after Ian. Even Prince Charming didn’t have to work this hard to marry Cinderella.
Instead, my hand patted his shoulder as I pushed myself upright. “Have I told you how awesome you are?”
“Not yet, but I’m still waiting.”
I laughed. “Well, you are amazing. And if you feel lonely or ever need me for anything, let me know.”
