Page 56 of Make You Love Me
Jordan
I’ve never seen Nora cry before, and I can’t tear my eyes from the wreckage. She’s crumpled in Sydney’s arms, her shoulders shaking. Anger and hurt rumbles inside me while I ache to be the one comforting her.
“Do you think that’s about you?” Avery asks, pushing her nearly empty plate aside. Since seeing Nora hunched over, drowning in her own pain, I’ve barely had the energy to pick up the fork.
“Part of me says no.”
“And the other part?”
“Remembers the new side she laid bare last night.” My system has yet to recover, not only from the seizure and memories, but from the love that poured from her touch.
“You need to talk to her.”
“I will.”
“When?”
“I don’t know.” Snatching up the fork, I stab a piece of neatly sliced burger with more force than necessary, making a clanking sound against the rustic metal plate underneath.
“Well, I can’t sit here all night while you figure it out. After you eat, I’m taking you home. Or here’s an idea: You can ride with yourgirlfriend, who happens to be sitting less than thirty yards away. Save me the trip.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry for wasting so much of your time.”
Her head tilts with a sympathetic smile. “I’m happy to help, but if you don’t mind me saying…”
“You don’t strike me as someone who bites their tongue for the sake of others.”
She shrugs and sips her water, wetting her throat for whatever mind-blowing point she’s about to make. “Delaying the inevitable only makes it harder. Take it from me. I’ve had more than my share of the waiting game when it comes to matters of the heart. It’s not fun.”
“Okay. You’ve convinced me.”
“Good. Text her.”
“Right now?” My heartbeat doubles in speed as it does when I’m standing at the base of a chopper, preparing to jump. Facing Nora again, knowing what I know, feels just as daunting.
“Delay equals hard, remember?”
“You and your dirty talk. All right, all right,” I surrender as her brow dips into a scowl. “I’ll text her. But I can’t promise the conversation will happen without items or curse words being thrown.”
“That’s fine. Do what you have to do, but make sure you miss.”
The corners of my mouth turn down into a pronounced frown. “Do you really think that lowly of me? I would never—”
“Stop stalling. I’m tired of entertaining your ass.”
???
Me:Hi.
Nora:Where are you?
Me:Benny’s Pizza with Avery.
I watch Nora turn around in her seat on the bench and locate the familiar restaurant. The wind picks up her long waves, blowing them off her shoulders and exposing her red, splotchy face.
Nora:Do you want to talk?
Me:Yes. Not here.
