I cleared my throat, trying to think on my feet—which usually was not an issue for me. My entire career was built on rolling with the punches, showing people whatever they wanted to see, but with Patrice my playbook didn’t work most of the times. I had to let the mask fall off for Patrice, he could always tell when it was on. I pasted a smile on my face like I did when I felt cornered and tried to keep my voice at human decibels.

“I’m not sure why I didn’t say anything. I always feel weird about that sort of stuff. I didn’t have to do anything to get the money to buy that building and sometimes I just avoid it.”

I cringed because Patrice was looking at me like he was not sure what to do with my sudden overshare. I ended by mumbling awkwardly, “Sorry.”

He waved my apology off. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me. I was teasing. I’m not entitled to the details of your life. I barely know you.”

Ouch.

I was so stunned by how hard his words hit me that I literally had no comeback. He must’ve realized the effect what he said had on me, because his eyes softened and he moved closer.

“Sorry, that was rude. I meant, I don’t know you that well yet.”

“Right.” I nodded, still feeling out of sorts.

Patrice made me so messy.

He was still looking contrite, but I needed to get out of my feelings ASAP, so I decided to go with the safe option and discuss the apartment. “There’s still a two-bedroom apartment open. If you want to come and see it tomorrow that should be fine. Why don’t you stop by after 2:00 p.m.? Just text me when you get there and I’ll have someone come and show it to you.”

He nodded and was about to say something when Nesto barreled in from the patio, his loud voice booming in the small living room.

“There you are! P, you gotta come and tell Jude about the time Juanpa and Milo dressed up as Salt-N-Pepa for Halloween. He doesn’t believe me.”

Patrice’s eyes twinkled when he answered Nesto. “Man I wish we’d had smartphones back then because that night was epic.”

Nesto laughed again and pointed toward the patio. “I’m saying. I’m going back out there, but you have to settle this.”

“All right, all right,” Patrice said, his voice full of an easy humor he rarely showed. After a moment he nodded and started to follow. When he got to the door he stopped, like he realized I was still standing there.

He looked over at me again and tilted his head toward the patio. “I’m going to go settle this argument.” His voice was friendly, but it was no longer the intimate feel from before. The wall was up again.

Immediately I felt slighted that he hadn’t asked me to come with him, which was ridiculous. I needed to go home and regroup.