While Lola and Crystal are in the kitchen, I lean close to Miller and whisper, “We have to leave. Reggie needs to walk before going to bed.”

“About your pup,” he says sternly. “Reggie should have his own bed.”

I glare at him.

“We can’t be sharing our bed with your dog.”

“I’ll consider discussing it with you, once you’ve told your family that those fairy tales aren’t real,” I say. “My relationship with them is becoming daunting and weird. If you want this to become something, you have to be honest with everyone.”

We finish one of the most awkward dinners I’ve ever had and head home. During the drive, I have to ask, “Why did you make up stuff about us?”

“I couldn’t let you go,” he answers. “First, I was a mess, I used the excuse that you had to leave instead of saying we broke up. Then, I just kept it going because my goal was to become the man you deserve and look for you.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Actually, I went to New York a couple of times. One of them you looked happy and I thought, I don’t have the right to just waltz back in and disrupt your life.”

“Yet, you continued pretending with your family,” I say, trying to understand him but not doing a great job at it.

“Look, I’m genuinely sorry for putting you in such an awkward position,” he says. “You’re the best way to stop my mother from setting me up with other women. A way to keep the undesired company away from me. The truth is, I don’t want anyone but you. Even if you don’t want me, you’re it for me. The love of my life.”

I stare at him. My eyes burn and my vision becomes a blur. I blink fast to chase away the impending tears.

The love of my life.

He always has shitty timing. We’re driving home, in the middle of the highway, and he has to call me the love of his life. This isn’t the time. I’m in the middle of a work crisis where the partners are taking issue with the fact that I’m sleeping with the competition.

… but why shouldn’t I? He loves me and I … 

“They need to know,” I tell him, “we’re not together-together yet.”

“When will that happen?”

I shrug. “Give me a chance to settle down. I just got a promotion, moved to a new city, and I’m in charge of the future of a lot of people.”

“What’s going on?” He reaches for my hand. “That crinkle on your forehead is too big. What happened?”