If We Ever Meet Again - Ana Huang Page 0,45
carried a gentle rebuke.
Blake’s stomach twisted with guilt. “I know. I’m sorry. Things have been kinda crazy.”
“It’s all right, dear, as long as you promise to call more often. Now tell me about these ‘crazy things’ you’ve been up to.”
Blake filled his mom in on his classes, friends, and favorite places in the city. He hesitated before adding, “I’ve been seeing someone in the program. Her name’s Farrah.”
He tensed in anticipation of his mom’s response. She’d been planning his and Cleo’s wedding since they were toddlers, and she took their breakup hard. He had no idea how she’d react to this news.
Helen’s eyebrows shot up. “How long have you been seeing her?”
“A few weeks.”
“And this is the first I’m hearing of her?” There was that rebuke again. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What’s she like?”
“She’s amazing. Beautiful, smart, funny. When I’m around her, I…” Blake’s voice trailed off. Just thinking about Farrah made him giddy as a schoolboy. He’d turned into one of those sappy boyfriends he used to make fun of. “I dunno. I feel great.”
“She sounds lovely.” Helen paused. “Where is she from?”
“L.A.”
“I see.”
Warning bells rang in his head. “Why do you sound relieved?”
“I’m not relieved.” Helen’s guilty expression said otherwise. “I’m glad you’re having fun in Shanghai. It’s a good break from…everything that happened this past year. Hopefully, once you’re home, you’ll be ready to set everything straight.”
The warning bells rang louder. “What is ‘everything’?”
“Oh, you know. This whole football business with your father, and your relationship with Cleo. It’s a shame you won’t be coming home for Thanksgiving. She’s bringing her famous mac ’n cheese. I know how much you love that dish.”
Blake took a deep, controlled breath. “There’s nothing to sort out. I’m done with football, and Dad will have to get it over it. As for Cleo, we’re not getting back together.”
“Of course you are. You love her,” Helen said. “I understand you needed a break to clear your head, but the two of you are meant to be. You’ve been friends since you were children.”
“That’s all we are, Mom. Friends.”
“You dated for a year!”
It was a mistake, Blake wanted to say. He should’ve known better than to cave to his family’s expectations. They were the ones who’d wanted him to date Cleo. He did love her—just not in the way they wanted him to. If he had any doubt before, his relationship with Farrah cleared it up. The feelings he had for Cleo at the height of their relationship didn’t come close to his feelings for Farrah now. “Yes, and I realized we’re better off as friends.”
Helen pinched her temple. “This Farrah girl…”
“I love her.”
The words spilled out without thought. Helen’s jaw dropped.
Meanwhile, Blake’s heart raced with adrenaline at the admission. Neither he nor Farrah had broached the L word yet. He should’ve been terrified—love was the ultimate commitment. But he wasn’t. Because if he was being honest, he’d known deep down he was in love with Farrah long before he said the words out loud.
He’d been falling in love with her, bit by bit, since the moment they met.
It wasn’t scary.
It was inevitable.
“Oh, honey.” Helen sighed. “You’ve known her for what? Three months? I know it must be exciting, being in a foreign country and all, but you have to be practical. She lives in L.A.; you live in Texas. Long-distance relationships are difficult. Meanwhile, Cleo is right here. She stood by you through everything, including after you quit the team.”
“Maybe I don’t want to stay in Texas.”
Once again, the words slipped out.
Blake had never considered moving out of Texas. That’s where his family and friends were. No one he knew left the state for good. However, now that he’d floated the possibility, the idea seemed more and more appealing.
He could go anywhere. New York, L.A. Hell, he could move to Shanghai if he wanted to.
The adrenaline kicked up another notch.
Helen paled. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“It’s not ridiculous. I graduate soon. I don’t have to stay in Texas like everyone else.”
“Where are you going to go? How will you afford it?”
Blake repeated Farrah’s mantra. “I’ll figure it out.”
His mom was at her wit’s end. “Why don’t you speak to your father? I’m sure he’ll have some thoughts about this.”
Blake bet he would.
Helen turned her head toward the living room. “Joe! Blake wants to talk to you.”
“No! Mom—”
Too late.
Helen stood up to make way for Blake’s father.
Fuck.
“So.” Joe Ryan sat and pinned his piercing gaze on Blake. Older and world-wearier, with wrinkles. Otherwise,