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“Eli—”

“Stop sayingto ht now; it’s so clear I feel insulted that you think I wouldn’t notice”

“National Geographic is starting a newfor India, and then South Korea, and Russia I’oing to be an a father ”

“You are running” She was running as far as possible froin to describe

“I’ to—”

“To take pictures, I heard you, but don’t go You love o, Guinevere”

For the first ti under started to crack, and she couldn’t force that smile any more “I never said I loved you, Eli So let’s just do this—”

“Simply? Easily? Does any of this look simple or easy? Guinevere, you told me with your hands, your eyes, your body, that you were in love withme a chance”

She shook her head, brushing hair behind her ear “It was just sex, Eli—”

“You said it You said it, right before you fell asleep in ht you were only thinking it, but you said it with your oo lips, six words: I’m in love with you, Eli So don’t tell ” I cupped her cheek, forcing her to look at , I know that what is between us is more than that, because I’h to say the words Please”

When she looked back to me, her eyes filled with tears she wouldn’t let fall “Love o, Eli”

My hand dropped from her face and I felt my eyes burn I couldn’t I wouldn't let us end that way, and yet she was going to leave She didn’t deny she lovedto leave me anyway “Okay,” I whispered, and I hoped it hurt her to hear as much as it hurt me to say

She nodded, walking away

“Guinevere,” I called

She stopped, but didn’t turn back to me