Page 80 of Pieces of Us
Gigi’s eyes soften. “What do you mean? You tell him.”
I shake my head. “I can’t. I’m scared to death to tell him. What if he doesn’t see me that way anymore?”
Audrey pushes me a float. “Melonie, you have nothing to worry about. That man has been in love with you for a long time.”
“How can you be so sure? What if I’ve pushed him away for so long now that he doesn’t want that for us? I don’t want to scare him, and have it blow up in my face. I like living with him, and I don’t want to mess that up.”
Gigi sits beside me. “Melonie, listen to me.” I look into her caring green eyes. “Linc isn’t one to hide what he’s thinking or feeling. If he wasn’t committed to you and Millie, you wouldknow it. He might have stuffed down his feelings for you because you’ve set the pace of being just friends, or roommates, or whatever y’all are right now.” Her hand flings around in the air between us. “But if you admit what you’re feeling, he’ll be all in.”
“She’s right, babes. Linc might seem okay with how things have been between the two of you because he wants to keep you close. He’s probably just as scared to admit his feelings. He doesn’t want to push you away.”
I stir my float and think for a moment.
“How did this happen? How did I fall for him? I feel like such a mess right now.”
Gigi snorts and shrugs. “He figured out what you needed. He stayed consistent, learned patience, and showed you that you can count on him. I never thought pretty boy had it in him, but he did it.”
“I knew he did.” Audrey grins.
“Okay, so I tell him?”
Audrey places a hand on my arm. “Yes.”
Gigi nods. “Tell him and then fuck his brains out. We all know you want to.”
We all laugh, because we know she’s right, but the way she says what everyone is thinking is hilarious.
“Okay, I’ll tell him.” I blow out a rough breath. “But first, I need more ice cream.”
Audrey pushes the tub to me and hands me the spoon. “Have at it, babes.”
Chapter Fifty-Four
Linc
Iwalk into the venue Audrey booked for the baby shower, carrying the last of the decorations from the trunk of her SUV.
“This is the last box.” I set it down on one of the tables.
“Thank you, Linc. I guess we can start unboxing everything. We have about two hours to get everything set up.”
I open one of the boxes as Jax joins us.
“Linc, you don’t need to help; Marcus and Gigi are on their way.”
“I want to help. I want everything to be perfect for Mel.”
Audrey smiles at me. “How are things going? Are you two going to extend your lease?”
“Things are good, and we haven’t talked about it yet. We just got our renewal notice this week.”
Jax starts handing Audrey tablecloths. “Do you want to extend it?”
“Of course I do. I love living with her. I’m really glad we did it because I’ve been there for stuff like feeling the baby kick for the first time and making sure she eats.”
“That’s sweet, Linc.”
“How do you think she feels about it?” Jax starts positioning chairs around the tables as I unbox bags of party favors.
