Translation of Love - By Alice Montalvo-Tribue Page 0,29
boyfriend. She’s afraid to commit and he thinks the way to fix her commitment issues is for them to move in together.”
He laughs. “Got it. Do I get bonus points if she likes me?”
“No. She already likes you,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“How could she like me? She hasn’t even met me.”
“I don’t really date so she thinks you’re some kind of miracle worker.” Fuck! Did I really just say that out loud?
“What do you mean you don’t date?”
Yup. I said it out loud. I’m not entirely prepared to have this conversation, but I opened my big mouth and now I just have to go with it. “I mean I don’t date.”
“Like ever?” he asks, looking stunned.
“Like ever.” If the car wasn’t moving so fast, I might attempt jumping out.
“When was the last time you went out on a date besides me?”
“I went on dates with my ex-boyfriend when I met him so…I don’t know over four years ago, I guess.”
“Wow. I’m sorry, I don’t get it. You’re beautiful, I’m sure you can go out with just about anyone you want. Why don’t you date?”
I flinch when he says I’m beautiful. It’s not that I think I’m ugly or anything, but in comparison to him, I’m merely average. Hearing him say I’m beautiful feels like a lie. “I’ve just been too busy. Between work and fixing up my house, it’s been a pretty hectic couple of years.”
Victor nods his head in understanding but I know he doesn’t buy it. He’s starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together, my hesitation to take things further with him and now this. I guess I’m not as good at keeping secrets as I thought I was. Maybe it’s for the best. Eventually, he’ll figure out I’m too much trouble and move on to someone who is better suited for him.
The breakfast rush is in full swing when we finally make it to Laura’s Café. Jordan is already there and waiting for us in a booth, coffee in hand. I slide into the booth across from her. Victor slides in after me, effectively blocking me in.
“Hi, I’m Victor,” he says, stretching his hand out to shake hers.
Jordan is beaming. She takes his hand and shakes it. “Hi, Victor. I’m Jordan, it’s nice to finally meet you.”
“You too,” he replies.
She looks at me with a Cheshire cat smile planted on her face. “Hey, Elle. You’re quiet this morning. Rough night?”
I narrow my eyes and give her my best death glare. I can feel the crimson in my cheeks and Victor chuckles. I aim my glare toward him. “You think she’s funny?”
He puts his arm around me and kisses my forehead but says nothing, As usual, my body has a mind of its own and melts into his. I look back to Jordan and her eyes have gone soft.
“You guys are cute together,” she says quietly. I know what she’s thinking. She’s thinking that I’ve found someone special and she’s hoping that I’ll just let myself be happy. Well, it’s easier said than done. Getting my mind to shut out all of the negativity and doubt is becoming a full time job.
The waitress makes her way over to our table. “Good morning, what can I get you all?”
Jordan goes first. “I’ll have a refill on my coffee and the short stack of buttermilk pancakes.”
“I’d like a large orange juice and a western omelet, please,” I say.
“Make that two,” says Victor, giving me a squeeze. The waitress writes down our order and walks back towards the kitchen.
“You guys even order the same thing. Adorable!” Jordan gushes.
“Jordan stop,” I say
“Don’t mind her,” Jordan says, pointing her head in my direction. “She just can’t stand when she’s the center of attention.”
Victor smiles at her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Elle tells me that you’re recording a new album. That must be cool, huh?”
His face lights up at the mention of recording music. It’s easy to see how much he loves making music. “I am, and it’s very cool. Some musicians like being on the road all the time, traveling to different countries, performing live. For me, it’s the creative process that I love, making music from scratch. I go into the studio and I can just create. It’s amazing.”
I like hearing him talk about what he does. It shows off a side of him that’s passionate. It almost makes me jealous because I have very little in my life that I’m passionate about. I was so caught up in