Translation of Love - By Alice Montalvo-Tribue Page 0,9

relationship.

“You know I like him, Elle. I really do but I can’t do it. I can’t do the whole forever thing. You saw how well that worked out for my parents. I’m not going through that shit.”

“I know, sweetie, but it’s not like that for everyone. If you care about him, you owe it to yourself to try. You never know, he might be the one.” I don’t believe a word that has just come out of my mouth, but as a friend it’s my duty to at the very least try to be supportive. Here I am telling my best friend to take a chance on a relationship when I’m as unconvinced as she is that it will work out. It’s not that I don’t think love ever works out, it’s just a crapshoot and the odds don’t seem so good to me. See, I have come to learn that men like my father are rare. The kind of man who would give his heart to one woman and in return he would take her heart and cherish it. Finding a man like that is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

“This coming from the girl who hasn’t been on a date in over two years.” Here we go. I knew this was coming. “When are you going to put yourself out there again, huh?”

“I’ll have you know that I was out on a date last night, thank you very much!” I reply smugly. I regret telling her instantly when I see her eyes grow wide.

“What!? You went on a date with who?” I hear the mix of shock and excitement in her voice.

“Just some guy I met at the bookstore yesterday, no big deal. We had a drink and talked a little bit.”

“Just some guy? Well, if he got you to have a drink with him he must be a God damn miracle worker.”

“Come on. I’m not that bad.”

She puts her cup down, takes a breath and looks me in the eyes. I know I’m about to get a lecture. “Elle, you won’t even give a guy the time of day. You just finished telling me that I need to try to work on a relationship with Mark and you know what? Maybe you’re right. Maybe I do. Maybe I do sabotage my relationships but at least I play the game. You are so far removed it’s not even funny. I know Brian put you through the ringer but enough is enough. At least try to get out there and have a good time.”

Why is the truth so hard to hear? I’m not stupid, I know that she’s right. I know that I’m a hypocrite. I’ve just given her advice that I have no intention of ever following myself. I often wonder what my life would be like if there had been no Brian. If, instead of him, I would have met a man who would have really loved me and respected me. How different would my life have been then? I know that I should be more open to trying to get back on the horse and see what else is out there, but my spirit has been crushed. And, up until last night, I’ve never had the desire to get to know another man. Okay I admit it, I would like to get to know Victor better but it’s just too hard to take that kind of risk again. I will allow myself to have this one date with him and then I have to put an end to it.

“Did you at least get this guys number?”

“I’m actually seeing him tonight. He asked me to go to dinner with him.”

She beams my way. “I love him already. This is great, Elle. Really! Just go out and have a good time. You don’t have to marry the guy, just enjoy yourself for once.”

I smile back, take a sip of my coffee and make a promise. “I’ll try.”

As I walk back into my house after breakfast with Jordan, I hear my phone beep alerting me to an incoming text message. I dig my phone out of my purse and look at the screen. I don’t recognize the number but I know who it’s from.

Good morning, Ellie. Hope you slept well. Can’t wait to see you tonight. Text me your address and I’ll pick you up at 7:30.

Ellie? No one has ever called me that before. I’m not sure how I feel about it. In fact, I’m