Page 18 of Better Than Gelato
“No,” I concede. “I had a wonderful time.”
“Like a great time with your best pal?” he asks. His eyes lock on mine like he already knows the answer.
I pause. “Yes,” I finally admit.
Now it’s Paolo’s turn to groan. “I knew it.”
“Sorry,” I tell him. “You remind me of my best friend Maggie from home.”
“Oh, does she pick you up in an Armani suit and take you to a private suite at the theater?” he asks, waving his arms a bit.
“No,” I say. “She does not. But she makes me laugh, and she’s easy to talk to, and she makes me feel like I can be myself.”
“Fine,” Paolo says with a huff. “You and I will be friends, and I will remain hopelessly in love with Valentina.”
“Maybe things with Valentina aren’t hopeless,” I say. “Does she have any idea how you feel?”
“No. Probably. I don’t know! She’s an enigma wrapped in a puzzle surrounded by mystery.” He sighs again. “My attempts at wooing her have been wildly unsuccessful.”
“What have you tried?” I ask.
“Okay, so far, I’ve tried nothing. Because I’m a coward.”
“You’re a very good-looking coward, if that helps,” I say.
Paolo’s hand goes to his hair. “It does. Thank you.”
“Well, I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to. But as your newbest friend, I advise you to ask her out.”
“I think I may regret becoming best friends with you,” he grumbles.
“Too late!” I say, “It’s already done, no take backs.”
Paolo walks me to my door and kisses me on the cheek.
“Thank you for a lovely evening, Juliet,” he says.
“Right back at you, Bestie,” I say.
Paolo shakes his head and turns around. “You are definitely not calling me that.”
“Too much?” I ask.
“Way too much,” he says.
I ride the elevator up to my apartment, humming the whole time. This date did not go the way I thought it would. It went even better.
ChapterFour
Carmen’s text message has more smoochy face emojis than actual words.
How was the big date?! I’m dying to hear all the details!!!
It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m painting Isa toes while she sits perched on the coffee table.
“Don’t move,” I tell Isa. “They’re still wet.” The last thing I need is blue nail polish on the gorgeous red couch.
I reply to Carmen.
