Chapter Seven

Willa

I walk in circles around my room, my phone pressed to my ear as I pace back and forth, trying to make sense of everything. Every time I get close to Leo, there’s a part of him that slips away, just out of reach. It’s maddening. I don’t know how much longer I can go on like this without answers.

“Have you asked him yet?” Cricket’s voice breaks through my thoughts, steady and practical as ever.

“I’ve tried,” I reply, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Believe me, Cricket, I’ve tried to get him open up. But it’s like he has this wall up and no matter what I say he won’t let it down.”

“Okay, tell me exactly what he does share,” Cricket says. “Like, what do you know about him?”

I think about it, sifting through the fragments of information he’s given me. “I know he’s…from somewhere far away,” I start, cringing at how vague it sounds. “He doesn’t talk much about his family, but he mentioned having a brother. He’s sweet, thoughtful, funny. He loves quiet places and he’s traveled a lot. But every time I try to ask him something specific he dodges.”

Cricket hums, her tone turning skeptical. “And he’s here on business, right? What kind of business? Have you met his friends or anyone he works with?”

“He’s on vacation and he doesn’t know anyone here. I’m not sure what he does for work, other than he’s a businessman.” I frown, the realization sinking in that, even after weeks together, I know shockingly little about the details of his life. “He keeps to himself, but he’s not antisocial. When he’s with me, he’s totally present, you know? He remembers things about me and pays attention. He’s—”

“Too good to be true?” Cricket finishes for me, her voice dripping with skepticism.

“Maybe.” The words sting. “He’s a little too perfect. I’m not a fool, Cricket. If he’s hiding something, I’ll find out what it is.”

“Sounds like you’re already deep in,” Cricket says gently, her tone softening. “You sound…attached. More than I’ve ever heard you sound with anyone else.”

I sink onto the edge of my bed, my shoulders slumping. “I am, Cricket. I’m falling for him, but it’s scary.”

She’s quiet for a moment. Then she says, “Do you think he’s lying or just not telling you everything?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper, my mind racing with every detail, every little inconsistency. “But it’s starting to feel like he has some big secret, something that could change things. I keep telling myself to be patient, to trust him.”

“Maybe he’s protecting you,” she offers.

“Protecting me from what?” I snap, immediately regretting the sharpness in my tone. I sigh, trying to rein in the whirlwind of emotions. “I don’t know, Cricket. Maybe it’s just me overthinking.”

“Maybe.” She sounds doubtful. “Or maybe he’s protecting himself. He might have a complicated past and it’s hard for him to trust someone, especially if he’s been hurt before.”

I let her words sink in, feeling the familiar ache in my chest. “I get that, but he can’t just keep everything from me forever. If he’s falling for me the way I’m falling for him, I have a right to know what I’m getting into. I don’t want to be blindsided.”

“You’re right, Willa,” Cricket says, her voice softening. “And I think it’s time you ask him directly, no room for dodging. Don’t let him brush it off. You deserve the truth and if he can’t give it to you then maybe he isn’t the right guy.”

I nod, clutching the phone tighter. “It’s just hard, you know? I keep thinking about what it’ll feel like if I lose him. I don’t want to lose him.”

“Maybe you won’t have to,” Cricket says, her tone steady and encouraging. “If he’s worthy, he’ll open up. But you can’t keep worrying yourself about not knowing where you stand.”

Her words resonate with a fierce clarity. I know she’s right. I can’t keep dancing around the truth, hoping Leo will finally let me in. I’m not sure what he’s hiding, but it’s beginning to feel like a wall I’ll never get past.

“All right,” I say, determination hardening my voice. “I’m going to confront him tonight. No more games, no more evasions. I want answers.”

“Good,” Cricket says, pride in her voice. “And remember, Willa, whatever happens, you’re strong enough to handle it. Whether it’s a fairytale ending or a painful goodbye, you’ll get through it.”

I let out a shaky breath, feeling a strange mix of relief and trepidation. “Thanks, Cricket. I needed to hear that.”

“Anytime,” she replies, her voice warm and supportive. “And hey, if it turns out he’s a secret billionaire or a prince or something don’t forget to find out if he has a single brother and invite me to the wedding.”

I laugh, “Right. I’ll make sure to hand deliver your invitation.”

We say goodbye and I toss my phone onto the bed, my mind whirling with possibilities. What if Cricket is right? What if Leo has some hidden life he’s trying to protect? Maybe he’s been hurt before or he has a past that’s hard to share.

I stare at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on me. I think about Leo —his quiet confidence, his gentle touch, the way he looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world.

Maybe tonight I’ll finally get the answers I need. Or maybe I’ll have to face that this incredible holiday romance is just that —only for the holiday.

I owe it to myself, and to Leo, to ask for the truth one more time.