“Sure. I’ll go first.” She grinned mischievously, scanning the sticks before choosing one. Staci carefully and successfully slid it out. “Ta-da!”
“You should have been a surgeon,” I chuckled.
“Maybe I should have. I always wanted to be a nurse growing up. It was my backup plan if the writing gig never worked out.” She giggled.
“Really?” The edge of my lips reached up to my ears.
“Get that thought out of your mind, McAdams.” Her eyes blazed with amusement.
It was my turn. I picked the one at the far left, and just when I thought I had it under control, everything around it moved.
Staci leaned back in her chair. “You never told me why.” She observed my every movement.
“Why what?”
“Why would you do this for me. Pretend to be my boyfriend? And I doubt it was only for a kiss.” Staci brought her knee to her chin.
“Well, you have to admit, the kiss was pretty hot,” I said, as she blushed. “I’m doing this for the same reason you came to my apartment bringing me soup. No one has ever done that for me.”
“Not even your mother?” Her brows went up.
“My mother lives in California. I hadn’t seen her since last Christmas,” I said. Catching a questioning look on her face, I added, “I have a strained relationship with my soon-to-be stepfather.”
“Oh …”
“Anyway, I’m here because you needed me … it felt nice,” I said.
She looked at me like she wanted to say something but took her turn instead. This time, she was unsuccessful in retrieving the stick without disturbing the rest.
“My turn to ask a question.”
“I know what you want to ask me.”
“What’s that?”
“About my ex—Luis?”
“Yep, sure. Only if you want to talk about it.” I shrugged innocently.
She arched her brow. “You’re kidding, right? McAdams, I know you’ve been dying to ask me all day.” She narrowed her eyes.
“You can’t blame me for wanting to know. What’s the big secret?”
She huffed before she said, “I met Luis at a bar, on a blind date. He was the brother of my cousin’s best friend. He was tall, dark, and handsome. I thought he was so perfect. Boy, was I wrong.” She threw the stick back in a pile before diverting her eyes out the window. I wished she knew how beautiful she was, so much I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. “He was my best friend, and I thought we would be together forever. Then, one day, he left me. Apparently, he had another girlfriend in San Francisco,” she murmured.
I cursed under my breath. “I’m sorry that happened to you,” I said, relieved that I wasn’t the one who messed Staci up.
“It sucks, you know. At the end of the relationship, end of that love, I felt like I had nothing.”
She turned, and I got a glimpse of the pain in her eyes. I only wished I could take it away from her.
“Have you ever felt like that? Like your heart just burns?”
“Yes, I have.” It was burning right now, but I could never say it out loud. It wouldn’t be fair to put her in a position where she might not be ready to hear it—what I needed to tell her.
How much she meant to me.
“After Luis, I thought, What’s the point of love? You’re just going to crash and burn at some point.”
“I don’t think you really believe that.” I played with the stick in my hand. “Maybe you’re not approaching love the right way.”
“Please don’t give me any dating advice,” she groaned.
“It’s not your fault. None of us knows how to love the smart way…” I leaned in closer, close enough that I picked up the aroma of fresh soap lifting off her skin. She looks at me with those brown eyes and natural pink lips that kept appearing in my dreams.
“Greg?”
“Huh?”
“What were you going to say?” She hiked her brows.
I sat back, clearing my throat. “I let you in on something … for me, I grew up with parents who never paid any attention to me. I was invisible—so lonely. There was so much pain in my past I couldn’t think about it.” I leaned in closer. “The only way I dealt with what I was feeling was by meeting a parade of women, but I was only re-creating the same mistakes time and time again. It wasn’t love in the driver’s seat. It was distraction. That was a hell of a lot more fun than sitting there, feeling sorry for myself, because I didn’t know how to fix—me.”
“And you did?”
“It took soul searching, but yes, the answer was inside of me all along. I needed to love myself before I could love anyone else. With Luis, you weren’t the problem. He was too much of a coward to fix himself—unfortunately, you were only the casualty to his idiocies,” I said.
She breathed in deeply. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I’m always right.” I winked.
“The answer is not in someone else but inside myself. Hmm … I like that. I’m not ready for love because I need to spend more time with me to fix the stuff that’s stopping me from being happy.”
“Well, that’s not it exactly.”
I’d steered this conversation way down in the left field when all I’d wanted was to talk about us.
“I can’t be with anybody. I’m a wreck,” she said.
“You’re not a wreck,” I said. She was missing the point. “Your dad said, growing up, you were more open … the perfect child.”
“I was,” she chimed in. “I was overweight, which meant he didn’t have to worry about me making out with bad boys in the back of their sports cars or whatever. I had a small group of friends, kept to myself, got good grades, and graduated with honors.”
“Again with the self-deprecation,” I said, shaking my head. “You need to stop that.”
“With what?”
“I think you’re being too hard on yourself with the weight thing.”
“You asked.”
“I did, but not to wallow,” I said. “I want you to think about all the things you love about yourself. Trust me, there’s a whole list I could compile on what I like about you. I want you to remember you’re more than your weight. Though you do have some amazing curves.” I flashed her a smile. “You have no idea how beautiful you are.” The smile left my lips, and the air rushed out of my lungs.
We looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity, and if it weren’t for a knock on the door that startled us both out of a trance, I would have kissed her.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Consuela opened the door a crack at a time, almost afraid to witness something that I had imagined in my head a million times. Something hot and sexy—minus the reindeer flannel pajamas.
“No, no. Come in, Tía,” Staci said.
“I wanted to bring you fresh towels if you wanted to take a shower.”
“Thank you,” I said, getting up, taking them out of her hands.
When Consuela closed the door behind her, I turned around to discover Staci sprawled out on the bed half asleep.
“Do you mind if we call it a night?” she mumbled. “I’m falling asleep with my eyes open.”
“Not at all.” I placed the folded towels in the chair I was sitting in a moment ago and turned off the lights. I made my way to the ground, placing my hands on the back of my head.
“Are you okay?” Staci murmured into the dark.
“Yeah, sure.”
“Greg,”
“Yes,”
“It means so much to me that you’re here.” I felt overwhelmed, having her this close, like something heavy was pressing down on my chest.
“Hey … Staci?” My eyes focused on a little light on the ceiling, coming from outside.
“Hmm?”
“There’s something I wanted to tell you,” I said, clearing my throat. “It’s been bugging me for a while now ... and um … these past few weeks, spending time with you, has made me realize a few things.”
I waited for someth
ing … but the room was silent except for heavy breathing.
“Staci …Staci?”
I bobbed my head up to find her fast asleep. I stood up and brought the duvet closer to her shoulders and brushed her hair away from her face.
This attraction between us had become undeniable … unbearable really.
“I’m in love with you, and I don’t know what to do about it,” I whispered into the darkness, knowing she never heard a thing.
So you just ran into your ex at a party. Don’t panic. You got this. The worst thing you can do is be rude or wear your emotions on your sleeve. It will only give him the upper hand. Instead, show him you’re perfectly confident and that you’ve been holding your own without him. He will definitely feel he’s the one who’s been missing out all this time.
“What to Do When You See Your Ex in Public”
by Staci Cortés
16
Staci
As I watched the happy couple dance under a white tent outside my Aunt Consuela’s backyard, I couldn’t help feeling a little envious of my cousin Rachel. She glowed with happiness, and I wondered if all brides had that allure about them on their wedding day. For the first time, I wanted that, too. To have someone in my life to look at me like I was the only one in the room.
“Here you go.” Greg handed me a vodka cranberry in a tall glass.
“Thank you, darling,” I said.
He was so handsome in his tux. I felt like last night, something had changed between us, as we’d connected on another level. It made sense, what Greg had said about how we used distractions to lead us away from what the true issue was. I’d chose to be with Luis because I couldn’t deal with the fact that, being single, people would view me as unlovable or unworthy. And here I was, doing it again with Greg. But what was I afraid of fixing? With myself? Was I using Greg as a scapegoat, or did I really have feelings for him?
“Staci,”
“Yes?”
“I was just thinking how we survived these two days without you really hating my guts.”
“I don’t hate you, Greg.”
I love you!
What was I supposed to do now? Greg was my boss. We had this good thing going on between us. I valued him as a person, as a friend … but I sometimes wanted more.
Why was he looking at me like that? Like he wanted me to wrap my arms around him.
“I’m glad you said that because I wanted to talk to you about something—”
Greg’s eyes were heavy like he wanted to tell me a big secret. Maybe being with my family was too much for him and he was ready to fake break up with me and go back home. This made me sad because these last few days with Greg were wonderful and I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye to us just yet—even though our relationship had been entirely a fraud.
As I was about to tell Greg how I really felt about him, about us, I felt a nudge on my shoulder. When I turned around, there he was, someone I had hoped never to see again.
“Luis.” My stomach dropped.
“Staci, it’s been so long.”
Not long enough.
Luis held out his arms, bringing me into an embrace.
“You look hot,” Luis said.
I take a step back, running right into Greg’s chest. Why was he standing so close? Greg’s hands rested on the side of my arms, and for a moment, I felt relaxed. Luis looked over my shoulder, like he just saw Greg for the first time.
“Luis, this is my boyfriend, Greg.”
The look on Greg’s face was not something I had seen, not even with my fake date with Matthew. It was more than being jealous. He was in protective mode.
“I hope you don’t mind me complimenting your girlfriend, but Staci and I go way back. Our families have known each other for the longest time.” He held out his hand to Greg, but Greg hesitated before taking it.
“Not at all,” Greg said, holding on to Luis a little longer than he should. “As long as you keep your hands off of her.” He smiled, but not the friendly kind.
Why was he making that face? He reminded me of a pit bull.
“Oh, Greg is such a joker.” I laughed, patting Greg’s chest. When that didn’t work, I stepped on his foot, and automatically, he let go of Luis’s hand.
“So, what have you been up to?” Luis asked.
I shot a look at Greg for him to behave.
“I’m still in New York, writing. I have a biweekly magazine I write for—According to Staci and Greg. Have you read it?”
“Of course I have. I’m not ashamed to say it, but I have been following you on social media.” Luis smiled.
Standing there between the men made me realize something. Luis has no effect on me. Not one bit. No burning sensation, no hatred, just indifference.
“Oh, I see. So, you’re the Greg,” he said. “That’s how you two met. I’ve read your articles for Avant-Grade. You’re funny,” Luis said.
“What about you? What have you been up to?” I asked out of politeness.
“I’m back in New York. I have my private clinic and work ten hours a week at the children’s hospital.”
“Oh, wow.”
“You’ll be at the fundraiser next month?” Luis asked.
Oh, joy.
“Yes, Greg and I will be there.”
“I heard. Maybe I’ll try my luck and win a date. You wouldn’t mind, right, Greg?”
“It’s for a good cause,” was all Greg said, a permanent grin on his face.
“Well, I’ll go and find your parents. I just had to see you first.” Luis’s eyes went back to Greg. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Greg.”
“Likewise,” Greg chuckled sarcastically.
“What’s the matter with you?” I said, turning to him.
“What?”
“You’re acting like a jealous boyfriend.”
“I wanted to be convincing.” Greg shrugged. “Anyway, the guy is a total jerk.”
I threw my drink back and looked into the empty glass. “I think I need another one,” I said, walking away.
Be done with Groundhog Day love. Stop re-creating the same toxic relationship over and over again. Instead, keep your eyes on the ball—you.
“When You Deserve Better”
by Staci Cortés
17
Greg
“My granddaughter is beautiful,” abuela said, standing beside me at the open bar.
“She takes my breath away,” I said, looking down at Staci’s grandmother, dressed in a long, elegant gown, her chin-length hair pinned up to one side.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked.
“Oh no, alcohol makes me bloated like a blowfish.” She winked.
There was a moment of silence before she said, “I need to tell you. I have a problem,”
“With your bloating?” I frowned.
“No—with you, standing here like an idiot while another man is dancing with your woman,” she said, holding out her hands to the crowd of people in front of us.
“What?” I looked up, scanning the crowd until my eyes find Staci and Luis sliding across the dance floor. Was that a smile on Staci’s face?
My heart stopped.
“You have competition.”
“I’m not worried,” I said, looking down at my half-empty glass.
“Don’t be so stupid,” she said, and I chuckled, surprised by her bluntness. “Hasn’t Gianna and Gael’s story taught you nothing?” She batted her eyelashes.
Abuela was talking about the telenovela we had watched together the other day. When Gael had failed to tell Gianna how he felt about her, she moved to another country and married someone else. But I doubt this was the case. Staci hated Luis. After all, he broke her heart. She would never go back to him … would she?
“You will lose her if you don’t tell her the truth about how you feel,” her abuela said. I snapped my head to meet her eyes. “You’re the only thing close to making her happy.”
“Why close?” I chuckled.
&
nbsp; “Men always fall short in making a woman joyous … when they get the girl, they get lazy with love, and sometimes they die, eh?” she raised her shoulders.
Staci always felt like she was out of my reach. I don’t know if I could make Staci happy, but I would give it all I got trying.
“Staci already knows how I feel about her,” I said, taking a sip from my glass.
“Stop the charade.” She motions with her hands. “You are not Staci’s boyfriend.”
My eyes find Staci in the crowd, and when she turned, our eyes meet.
Does she want me to save her from Luis?
“Of course I am,” I chuckled, straighten my shoulders.
Abuela gave me a look as if she knew better.
“Listen to me.” With her hand, she motions me to come closer, and I hunch down. “Staci is stubborn as a mule,” she said. “It’s not entirely her fault. She gets that from her abuelo, God rest his soul.” Her eyes brushed the ceiling.
“I know you American boys are afraid to show your emotions, but in our culture, there’s only one way to win a woman. You must show her you want her—you need her. Be a man and tell her now, or else you’ll lose her forever.”
“You’re such a smart and beautiful woman,” I said.
“For sure. Where do you think Staci gets her looks and brains? She got them from me,” she said, pointing to her chest with her pointer finger.
“I’ll tell her tonight.”
“Good.” She smiled. “Greg, what do you think about these shoes?” she said, holding the hem slightly up.
“They’re … very nice,” I said. What do I know about shoes?
“They’re more than just nice,” she said in a rich, heavy accent. “If you hurt my Staci, I know how to use them, okay?” She slapped my face harder than expected. “Okay, okay, we’re good,” she said, walking away as I stood there rubbing my face.
* * *
Slow music came on, and I caught Staci in a crowd of women. When I got close enough, I took her hand in mine and dragged her up against my body. Her wavy hair tousled around her bare shoulders. She was by far the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Not only because of her attributes, but because at that moment, I realized she was everything I had been looking for—everything I ever needed. All I wanted was to be hers.
The One & Only: The One Lover Series Book 1 Page 11
