Love or Lust (LOL): Part 2

I need a drink.

After I’ve poured each of us a margarita and made my own half-assed tacos, I take a seat across from Milo. He’s smiling as he bites down, shooting me a wink.

“Sorry the tacos are so bland.”

“It’s all good. Your margarita is on point, so that makes up for it.”

Really? Taking a big sip, I almost choke as the frozen liquid makes its way down my throat.

“A little strong,” I cough.

“Why make them weak? What would be the point of that?”

“I’d be able to handle more than one,” I joke. “Seriously, though. This has been a disaster. I mean, it’s not a secret I suck at cooking, but still. Of all the meals I’ve attempted to make this week, this may be my biggest failure, and you deserve better.”

“The fact that you care means more than anything,” he begins. I can tell there’s more he wants to say, but he’s just staring at me, debating. “Listen, my first meal this week was overcooked and salty as fuck, but the conversation was nice. My second meal was perfect, but the company was lacking. My third was good, but the conversation was one-sided and made me uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s not about what’s on the plate and more about the company you keep.”

“Do I get to guess who was who?” I ask, smirking at him.

“No. That wouldn’t be nice. Plus, if you think about it hard enough, I’m sure you could figure it out without me telling you.”

I sure can.

Bella. Teegan. Courtney. In that order.

“Can I ask you something?” Taking another sip of his margarita, Milo barely flinches at the strong taste of tequila.

“Of course. What’s on your mind?” I reply quickly, a little nervous about where this conversation is headed.

“You. I know you’re aware some of the girls are trying to get us to vote you out.”

“Yup. And I don’t plan on stopping them. They can do whatever they want, believe whatever they want. No matter what I say, it won’t change their minds. Why waste my time?”

“Is what they’re saying true? Are you really stringing along both Lennon and Jace?”

“What do you think?” I ask, honestly curious about how he sees the situation.

“They refuse to talk about it. Jace and Lennon.” I nod but don’t reply, so he continues, “I think you like them both. I don’t think you’re the kind of girl that would string someone along just to win a stupid competition. I’ve seen how you are with the other guys. I know how you are when you’re with me. You don’t give me the impression that you want more than friendship, and that’s perfectly fine. My feelings aren’t hurt. They would be if you were playing me, though, and that’s what the girls are trying to convince us of. That you’re playing both of them to stay as long as you can.”

The accusation hurts, but I can see where they would get that idea. Because I can’t have both of them.

“I’ll be honest with you, but I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t share this with the girls. It’s really none of their business, though I doubt they would believe it anyway. I’m not stringing them along. I do like both of them, but I love one of them. They both know this. I made my decision, and as much as it hurt one of them to hear, he refuses to stop trying to change my mind. I respect it, but the more time I spend with the other one, the more certain I am I made the right choice.”

“You aren’t going to tell me which one, are you?” he asks, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. There’s a smirk on his face telling me he finds my dilemma amusing.

It’s anything but. It’s stressful more than anything else.

“Now where’s the fun in that?” I mimic his stance, crossing my arms over my chest, forgetting my tank top is low cut until Milo’s gaze leaves mine, falling lower and staying there.