Page 138 of The Path to Loving Him
Aubree:I don’t understand. Different from what?
Ryland:I don’t know . . . other people.
Hattie:Yes, she’s different from other people because she’s her own person.
Aubree:^^^ Facts.
Ryland:But I mean, you know, different.
Hattie:You might have to elaborate because you’re not making much sense at the moment.
Aubree:Agreed, I’m not following.
Ryland:Never mind. Forget I even asked.
Hattie:Oh no, we’re not forgetting this. This is a moment. A huge moment! The biggest moment, because you’re actually showing interest in a girl for the first time since Samantha.
Aubree:And that was ages ago. You shut down after she cheated on you, and we didn’t think you’d ever open up to another person. But here we are.
Ryland:I’m not opening up, okay? I’m just . . . fuck, I feel weird.
Hattie:Does your heart pound when you see her?
Aubree:Do your palms get sweaty when she’s nearby?
Hattie:Are you thinking about her all the time?
Aubree:Do you have this undeniable, happy feeling that bursts through you when she is around you?
Ryland:I’m not answering any of those questions.
Hattie:Oh my God, it’s because they’re true, aren’t they? Gah, Aubree! He likes her.
Aubree:Looking over the symptoms we just described, I’d conclude that he likes her as well.
Ryland:I don’t like her. I just . . . she makes me . . . I don’t like it when . . . fuck, I don’t even know what I’m saying.
Hattie:Because you like her. Just admit it, Ryland. You like someone. It’s okay. You’re not about to explode.
Aubree:Maybe if you admit you like her, you won’t stumble over your words as much.
Ryland:She’s just different, okay?
Hattie:She is, she’s very different, and that’s what’s so amazing about her. She’s independent and strong and doesn’t take any shit, but she also knows how to accept help when she needs it and is kind and loving.
Aubree:And confident. Can handle her own and, most importantly, knows how to handle you.
Hattie:Not to mention she’s so great with Mac.
Aubree:A definite plus and since we’re mentioning things, there’s an obvious attraction between you two which only heightens the feelings you’re trying to suppress.
Hattie:What we’re trying to say is that we approve.
Aubree:We definitely approve.
Ryland:I don’t know why you approve, there is nothing to approve of. I wasn’t looking for approval. Honestly, just forget this entire conversation.
Hattie:No chance in hell will we forget this. I’m actually screenshotting everything as we speak.
