“She’s wonderful. Cousin Mario just announced that he and his wife are expecting.”
I look over at my brothers, who give me a knowing look. We are very well aware of what’s about to happen.
“Of course, I’m happy for your cousins. And my sister is over the moon to become a grandma.” She leans back against her chair with a solemn look. “I just wonder if I’ll ever have the opportunity to experience the joy of becoming a grandma. You boys give me no hope.”
I know the guilt I’m supposed to feel, but it’s hard to when she lays it on so thick.
“I’ll take this one,” I say to my brothers.
“Ma”—I look back at her—“marriage and babies might not be in the cards for us. But you always have Aria and Izzy. I’m sure they’ll make you a grandma one day.”
“And I look forward to that, but I’m talking about my boys right now. What did I do wrong that you all feel this way about marriage?”
“It’s nothing you did, Ma,” Julian replies.
“Well, how do all three of you feel that way? I must’ve done something wrong.”
The look of guilt in her eyes is too much to take. I don’t know the reason for my brothers, though I assume it’s similar to mine, but it’s not something that I discuss with people.
“Let’s just move on,” I tell her. “I came here to enjoy dinner with my family, not be interrogated.”
Ma sighs but nods her head. “Fine. But this conversation isn’t over.”
“Yes, Ma,” we reply in unison.
The rest of the evening is spent with lots of food and laughter. Although, every few minutes, my mind gets pulled to thoughts of Eva.
Things like,I wonder what she’s doing right now. I wonder if she’s still at work. Maybe she’s working out again. If she is, is she wearing the same outfit as the other night?
After that, I can’t stop picturing her tight little body in that damn spandex. I will admit, it’s easier, having put my attraction out in the open. The guilt is gone, but I’m finding that the attraction is still as strong as ever.
I’m thinking if I just push past it, there will be a solid friendship on the other side. After all, I don’t do feelings, so what harm can it do?
Chapter Ten
Eva
The rest of the week, Roman came over after work to continue building my bookcases. I sat there and talked with him while he worked and tried not to ogle his body too obviously.
The more time I spend with him, the easier it is to put aside the attraction and just focus on getting to know him. He’s actually really funny, and he has a great sense of humor.
It’s now Friday, and instead of going out with my brother and their friends, he’s decided to keep working on it.
“You really don’t have to do this tonight,” I tell him as I follow him to my office. “It’s Friday. You should go out with Walker.”
He waves me off. “Nah, I’ve got the better sibling tonight.”
He winks at me, which sends my heart into a flutter, but I laugh it off. “I’m glad you see it that way. I’ve been trying to tell him that for years.”
“What I’m wondering is, why aren’t you going out with your friends on a Friday night? You’re young and in a new and exciting city.”
He starts to drill the shelves into their spots—the final step of this entire process before he puts the crown molding all around the perimeter.
“I’m exhausted. My boss has this strict deadline that I’m trying to meet.”
I smile, but he turns around.
“You’re not too stressed out, are you?”