I wanted to thank everyone for your reviews. I appreciate them - even if you tell me you don't like the direction of a story or character. I've been writing ahead so I already have the story finished by the time I post it. It helps me to go back and read what everyone liked and didn't like. Enjoy!


Chapter 14

APOV

The talk with Elliot made me think about things. I can't let this go any longer. Even if I don't want to be with Christian, I need to be honest with José and tell him I don't feel for him the way he feels for me. I don't want to lose him as a friend but it's not right for me to lead him on.

Tonight after work I need to tell José. Then I just need to think about this thing with Christian. I do have feelings for him but I don't know if I can be what he likes. I know he said he wants to be with me but what if it's because I'm the only woman who told him no? I'm a novelty but when that wears off, where will it leave me? That's my underlying issue with this. I don't want to get hurt and with Christian I can get really, really hurt.

I make it through the rest of the day at work and am resolved to go right to José's and tell him. On the way to his house, I give him a call.

"Hey, Ana."

"Hi, José. Is it OK for me to stop by?"

"Absolutely, I'll be here."

"OK, see you in a few."

I get to José's and he opens the door for me. "Hey, mija. Have a seat."

"Thanks, José." I sit down on the sofa.

"Do you want something to drink, Ana?"

I shake my head, "no, thanks."

He sits down next to me. "Ana, what's on your mind? I can tell something is bothering you."

I look at him and tears pool in my eyes. I wish I felt the same way towards José as he does to me. But I don't. I've tried and it's just not there. The words tumble out of my mouth quickly. "José, I can't do this - us. I'm only hurting you and I don't want to do that. I care about you but not the same way you feel about me. And, I'm afraid I'm going to lose you as a friend and I don't want that."

"Ana, are you leaving me for him?" The way he said 'him' drips with contempt.

"No, I'm not. I don't know whether I want to be with anyone right now. I just don't want to hurt you any longer."

"Ana, just give it time. We know we get along well, everything else will fall into place."

"José, that's not fair to you. I don't know if those feelings will ever develop."

His face twists letting me know he's barely holding himself together. He goes to stand so I stand as well. "Ana, I won't give up on you."

The tears flow now. "José, I'm sorry."

He just nods his head and opens the door for me. "Good night, Ana."

"Bye, José."


I get home and Kate and Elliot are sitting at the dining room table. Kate turns to me and when she sees me she rushes over. "Ana, what happened? Are you OK?" She ushers me to sit down and gets me a glass of water.

"I broke it off with José and I feel like such a jerk." I start to cry again. I never knew it would be this hard.

Kate looks at me and frowns. She gently rubs my back. "Ana, I'm sorry. But you did the right thing."

I nod. "I just wish I knew what I wanted. I wish I was more self-assured. I don't want to get hurt but I don't like doing the hurting either and now I'm afraid I lost a good friend. I am such an idiot." I lay my head down on my arms.

"Ana, why don't you change into some comfortable clothes and I'll order us a pizza."

"No, I can't. I don't want to ruin your night. I'll be OK."

Elliot comes up to me and places his hand on my shoulder. "Ana, it's OK. I have to go anyway." I look at him trying to see if he is telling the truth. Suddenly he's pulling me into a big bear hug. "Cheer up, Buttercup. OK?"

I smile at him and thank him. I go into my room to get changed, brush out my hair, and wash my face. By the time I come out of my room he's gone and it's just Kate.

"OK, Ana. Get comfortable. Pizza is ordered, wine is here and we have Legally Blonde and Bridget Jones' Diary ready for watching." I sit down on the sofa and she sits next to me. "You know Ana, usually this is the other way round!" We both laugh at her observation.


CPOV

I've just finished a run when I see I have a text. It's from my pain-in-the-ass brother.

*Thought you should know Ana broke it off with José today. Don't fuck this up.*

I look at his text and smile. This was half the battle. I don't know a lot about women but I know I can't come on too strong. I just have to be there for her. I want to make her laugh and feel happy. Tomorrow is Friday so since she is no longer dating José it's possible she will be at home.

First I need to make sure she'll be alone. I need to text Elliot.

*Are you taking Kate out tomorrow?*

*Not sure, why?*

*I have an idea for Ana so I wanted to know if Kate is going to be around.*

*She doesn't have to be. I can take her out and we can stay at my place.*

*Thanks.*

*Don't forget to wear protection!*

*Fuck you*

OK, so the first step is done. Now I need to come up with a plan for us. This is the hardest part. I've never had to plan dates before Anastasia. What is this girl doing to me? I shake my head at the thought and then smile at the memory of Ana dancing around my kitchen while making pancakes the morning after she lost her virginity. She is so unexpected but for some reason I like it.

I have my plan made so I start pulling together the arrangements.