Page 126 of Phishing for Love
“I think it’s time to watch someFriends,” Dad announces.
We all stand. Mom and Grandma hug Aaron, firm, comforting hugs to show their support. Even Kate, who is in no way a hugger, embraces him with a slightly stricken, guilty look on her face.
I wait until last because I know that when I do hug him, I won’t want to let go. Wrapping my arms around him, I rest my head against his chest and whisper, “I’m so very, very sorry.”
“I know.”
“I wish you never had to experience all that.”
“So do I.”
“You should have told me.”
“It’s such a hard thing to tell,” he says after a moment. “And I didn’t want you to pity me.”
“I don’t.”
We keep our arms around one another as we wander into the TV room and settle on the couch, everyone else finding their spots. Kate and Lisset leave, since Lisset has school on Monday.
My dad plays one of his favoriteFriendsepisodes. I keep my eyes on the screen, but I’m acutely aware of Aaron sitting next to me, his thigh pressed against mine, his body still tense. I take his hand and squeeze it, and he squeezes back.
I wish he’d told me this before. I still don’t understand why he hadn’t wanted to tell me. I realize it’s not something you haul out to fill in conversational gaps, but still. We’d been dating for two weeks. I’d dropped a few hints about his family. Why couldn’t he have told me then?
I shrug it away. I know now, I tell myself.
Except I can’t help feeling there’s still more to his story. More he hasn’t disclosed.
Only I don’t want to dwell on that now because the most beautiful thing has happened: Aaron is laughing. He started off with a small smile, moved to a grin, then graduated to a chuckle. We’re now three episodes in and Aaron’s whole body is vibrating with the force of his laughter.
I am suddenly so thankful for my genius dad and the comedic genius that isFriends. How wonderful to be able to escape your life for a little while and immerse yourself in another world, even if it’s only on the screen.
I’m watching the show and laughing at the appropriate moments, but I’m overcome with the staggering realization that Aaron has slowly and surely hacked his way into my heart by the stealthiest means possible. By simply being himself.
And then I surrender to an inescapable and breathtaking truth: I am in love with this beautiful, broken man.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
[MESSAGES]
Kate:Aaron seems like a nice guy, but he’s going to break your heart.
Tess:He is a nice guy and he won’t.
Kate:Now look who’s lying to herself.
Tess:Give him a break. Look what happened to him.
Kate:You don’t walk away from all that unscathed.
Tess:I guess you’re speaking from experience.
Aaron grabs my hand, entwining his fingers in mine. “There’s no need to be nervous.”
“It’s my first time.”
“You’ll be fine,” he assures me. “You just need to relax.”
“I can’t relax!”
