“Whew. That’s good, then. What does it matter that you’re not my type?”
“I want to know why.” Spencer wondered what was wrong with him that she wouldn’t even be attracted to him.
“Typical man. Don’t get your ego bruised. You’re a handsome and sexy man, Spencer.” She patted his cheek. “It’s just that I’ve never seen you that way. No spark of wanting or pulse racing. Everyone has a type that makes you want , and you don’t do that for me.”
Spencer thought of what she’d said, then looked at her and felt nothing either. She was right—he’d never been attracted to her, even though she was gorgeous. He thought of Regina. His breath caught, and he shifted in his chair as he instantly went hard.
“Oh my.” Lila’s breathless voice made him look at her. She blinked, then said in a husky voice, “That look. Spencer… God, where did you get that look? You were thinking of her, weren’t you? That friend that you want. Whew. If you use that look, then she will be yours.” Lila shook her head. “But you need to be true to your wife. She deserves your faithfulness. I—”
“She does. My wife—Regina—she’s the friend that I’m attracted to. She’s my best friend, and I’m attracted to her, and I shouldn’t be.”
“I’m confused. She’s your wife, so why shouldn’t you be attracted to her? You love her. Don’t you?”
Spencer closed his eyes, then opened them, looking at her. “There are many things that stand between us. We haven’t been a couple for about three years. Tried therapy for a year, and then I moved out a year ago.”
“You never mentioned her in all the times we’ve talked. Something changed.”
“Yes. I’ve been avoiding places I would see her, but then I did, and it’s been all muddled in my head ever since.” Spencer was relieved to say it out loud. Lila didn’t know Regina, or them as a couple, so she was an unbiased person to talk with.
“I don’t think it’s muddled. If she’s the reason you came alive, then there is nothing confusing. You need to go to her. Work out whatever that you need to.”
“But what if we can’t? Then we won’t be in each other’s lives again. I’ll lose her permanently.”
“Haven’t you already sort of lost her? That is, since you haven’t seen her for almost a year and haven’t lived with her in that time. How is your life without her now?” Lila placed her other hand over his on her arm. “Because from where I’m sitting, you didn’t seem all that happy. But now there’s a light burning in your eyes and”—she smirked—“a determination which makes me think you’ve already made your decision.”
Spencer stared, then laughed as he realised she was right. Subconsciously, he had. It just took a nudge for his conscious mind to catch up. He kissed Lila on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Please… I didn’t do a thing.” Lila laughed, then winked. “I’m betting on you overcoming this. Don’t let me down. I hate to lose.” She patted his hand, then scooted the chair back at the table. “Now let’s finish this lovely food before it gets too cold.”
“Let me heat it up.” Spencer rose, picking up the container and the lid. He waited and when she looked at him, he asked, “How do I go back to her?”
“You know your wife better than I do.” Lila shrugged. “Do you have a picture, and what’s her name again?”
“Regina, and I do have a picture of her.” He placed the items he had down, then took out his wallet and showed her the picture.
Lila studied it, then nodded. “She’s a sexy woman.” Lila lifted her head to study his face. “In my opinion, it’s always best to go with a full frontal attack and lay out your terms, then go from there.”
Spencer mulled over her suggestion as he picked up the food again and went to heat it up. His mind filled with how he would return home to Regina, and what he would say. They had things to work on before they could figure out if