Page 89 of Electric Blue Love
Me: Why’d you run off, 8B?
I tapped my foot waiting for a reply. It came as soon as I’d given up and put the phone on the counter where I couldn’t obsessively wait, or worse send a second text.
I dove for the phone, eager for her reply.
Bianca: “Always leave them wanting more”
“Motherf-” I grinned despite myself.
Me: What did I tell you about those rules. Throw them all out. You don’t need any of them. I just want you.
Bianca: Maybe that’s just because I’m following the rules. Maybe you’re unconsciously reacting to them and don’t even know it. Who knows what’ll happen if I go back to being myself.
She was teasing. I was almost certain, but I couldn’t help but wonder if there wasn’t some concern and truth to her words.
God, I was an idiot. I’d told her she needed to be someone other than who she was to get the guy and now that guy was me. My chest ached, and I was pissed at myself and at fucking Todd, too.
Those rules had been the best thing that had ever happened to me – it brought me closer to my sweet 8B, but they weren’t what held us together now. I was going to prove to her, somehow, someway, that she was perfect just the way she was. The way she’d been the first time I’d met her and that I didn’t want her any other way.
Me: Toss the rules and let me prove it to you. Sweet dreams, 8B.
The next dayfound me tense and grouchy. Bianca would be busy with family stuff tonight and not being able to see her had me irritable. Leo stopped by my office to show me the latest design specs for the new website, but I was only half-listening.
“These look great,” I told him sincerely as I scanned the pages of the mock ups. “You’ve got a really good eye.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled with an embarrassed grin. “You coming over tonight?” I hesitated, but he continued. “Birthday dinner for my dad.”
When it was clear that I hadn’t been invited, he gave me a one shoulder shrug. “I’m sure Bianca just thought you wouldn’t want to come, but Mom’s making enchiladas and you don’t want to miss out.”
I laughed as he patted his stomach.
“Thanks for the heads up, but I think I’ll let you guys have your family time. Sounds like you guys need it with how busy you all have been lately.”
He nodded without another word and backed out of the office.
I’d always treaded around people’s family time giving it a wide berth. Maybe that had been more about me than them, but wasn’t the point of family time for the family to spend time together? I felt uneasy about just showing up. Wouldn’t have Bianca invited me if she really wanted me there? Or was Leo right – was she afraid of pushing me to do something I’d made clear was uncomfortable?
Leika called as I was leaving the building.
“Hey, bridezilla,” I answered.
“Har, har. What are you doing?”
“Just leaving work. You?”
“Trying to pick out a wedding dress,” she answered sounding more than a little defeated.
“By yourself?”
“Well I can’t exactly take Jeff.”
“What about his mom or one of your girl friends?”
She let out a huff. “His mom would have me covered head to toe in lace, but yeah I should probably ask one of my girlfriends to come with me. I’m way out of my league in these stores. So many white dresses and they all look the exact same to me!”
I laughed. “Anything you need me to do before Friday?”
“Nope, just show up and be your charming self. Preferably with Bianca by your side. Have you talked to her yet?”
