Finding legal ways to fall in love

1 The soft life Stella's pov "Okay, sit Rufus. Sit. Come on, I know you can do this. Animals listen to humans all the time. I know u understand me. Who's a good boy? You are, yes you are" I make the cutest and trust worthy faces I can make my face into. Rufus in question lazily turns his gaze to me and eyes me. "Come on, don't make that face" I tsk If anything, Rufus looks at me with less interest than before. I sigh and stand up to my feet. This is hopeless. I'm never going to reach Rufus how to sit now am I? The dogs more attitude than an old lady. To be honest, sometimes, I feel like he actually is one. I pat him on the head and then head to the kitchen. I'm looking for snacks that I could use to make Rufus sit, when my phone rings. It's the ringtone of a mariachi band playing. Loud enough to be heard anywhere in this house, seeing as I'm always looking for the phone. I pour some cookies in a bowl and set on the floor across Rufus. "Don't touch, Mommy's coming back real soon. Be a good boy okay?" Rufus lazily blinks at me and I take that as a yes. These days he's been more grumpy. I'm not sure what it is but I'm definitely going to need to take him to the vet. I add that to the mental list of things I have to do in my head as I head to my room where the Spanish music plays on full volume. It's a very close friend of mine. One of the two people who know everything about me. Although, I'm not expecting a call from him. these past few years have been very kind to him. He's grown to be a very wealthy man. one I've always known. He would be. He's had the determination, zeal and charisma of one. Now he ranks in the top ten millionaires. I'm very grateful to be a friend of his "Well if it isn't Mr hotshot" I tease. I know him too well to know that a slight blush would have appeared on his cheeks at that. He might be every ladies dean guy, but he's still the sweet akward boy to me. "You've seen the papers" he sighs in exhaustion, yet I still hear the smirk in his tone. "Who hasn't?" I laugh at this. Roman's career boost was all over the Internet today. On magazines and podcasts. claiming him as California's hottest bachelor yet. after an Italian guy. "Ugh, who'd have thought being rich would leave you with zero percent of privacy" he groans "Heyy, it's not that bad. I mean no one knows what you had for breakfast this morning, or what underwear you're wearing" he laughs at this and I smile. I hear the cream of the door, turning around I see Rufus lazily glaring at me. He clears his throat"Umm, so. I was wondering if you'd like to attend a... function with me" I sit at the edge of my bed, Rufus following right behind. Once I sit, he rests his head o. my lap and shuts his eyes. He doesn't look too good “and what's this function about?" I ask “It's...a gala" “Nope" I shake my head for emphasis “Definitely not" “Why not?" he asks. This isn't the first time he's invited me to an event and neither is it the first time I've declined one. “I'm just not comfortable with that" I say as I stroke rufus's fur. "I'll be there, if you feel uncomfortable. you just tell me, and I'll take you home immediately " "but-" "I promise, you won't regret it. Bianca can come along if you want" he offers "Really?" "Yeah, I don't mind, as long as you're there" Roman has had a "thing" for me ever since our sophomore year. Unfortunately, I never felt the same way for him. I love him to death but I've never felt anything more than friendly love towards him. despite the whole liking thing, he's been an absolute god send in pushing aside the fact that I've rejected him and placing our friendship first. There really isn't anything Roman could do that would make me hate him after everything he's done for me as a friend. Okay, if he killed someone then maybe...but you get the point. "I'll think about it" I finally agree "Really?" I can hear the surprise in his voice. It makes me laugh "Yes, I'll think about. I'll check with my schedule to see if I'm free and then yeah I'll go with you" i say "Done, absolutely. Thank you Stella, I honestly did not want to sit for a gala all alone" "You're never alone" I point out "You know what I mean" he teases "I do. I understand not fitting in in a place that's quite new to you. Even if it's been years now" I trail off thinking about my life. The memories wash over me like a bucket of cold water. Rufus grumbles from my lap and only then do I realize the silence at the end of the line. I look at the phone, Roman hasn't hung up. He's silent for a bit. "Stella, are you okay?" he asks softly I swallow the lump growing in my throat"Yeah, absolutely. I'm cheery. why? what's up? why do you ask?" I ruffle rufus's hair as I say this. It's either the dog knows in lying too or he's just tired of me because he looks at me lazily then walks out of my room. "Are you sure-?" "Is it possible for a dog to be acting like a b***h?" I interrupt Roman knows I'm trying to avoid talking about what I'm feeling right now but he chooses to not pressure me into it, which is one of the major reasons why I love him. As a friend of course. "Why do you say so?" he asks, sounding genuinely curious "Because Rufus has been acting like it " I say in frustration "And Rufus is...?" "My dog" "Ahh, I see. Rufus the bitchy dog. Got it" he says. I laugh to that "He really is, he just gave me the stink eye and then casually strolled out of my room!" Roman laughs"God I love that dog" he says in between a chuckle "You are not supposed to be in his side you know" I laugh "Heyy, if I'd have been forced to live with a lady who watches reality TV shows against my will. I would also be bitchy. probably hang myself too" he teases I gasp "You did not just say that to me!" "Umm..." he makes a thinking sound "I think I just did" he chuckles I smile, I'm sure he is too. It's always been this way with us. so comfortable. He's the type of person who you would get locked in a room with and never feel bored. I can't imagine a life without him