I Felt About Him Is Real

Eliza's POV

The way I felt about Willie was real. How realistic it is. As a result of its authenticity, the experience hurt. And I wished I could have faith that his feelings for me were as genuine as mine were, but it was hard to tell. What was happening between us baffled him. Even though what we were doing wasn't wrong or immoral, I could tell he was still struggling with the moral implications. But there was something I picked up on when I checked out his room that night that made me wonder if there was more. Perhaps it lay hidden beneath the surface, but I knew it was there.

I knew he'd been lonely ever since Bea had left him. And I never understood why he never dated anyone else. He could have easily found another partner if he had so desired. He was both stunningly handsome and independently wealthy, so naturally, people wanted to see what he had in his underwear.