too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

"Not really." Teddy pouted, sounding dejected. "At first, I thought it was a fair competition and had a chance of winning, but... Wait, how do all of you know I like Jamie?"

Lila sighed. Seriously, who wouldn't notice?

Even Matthew, who barely interacted with them, knew. How oblivious could Teddy be? He always wore his heart upon his sleeves.

"I just guessed. Now, tell me what happened," Lila pressed.

Teddy grumbled, "Well, your guess was pretty spot on."

Then he got back to the point. "Since Jamie is adorable, I know others would like her too. But this guy came out of nowhere. Since it was just the two of us, I thought I still had a shot at winning."

Lila urged, "Get to the point! Hurry up, I'm getting anxious here."

"Why are you anxious? I'm the one in trouble here!" Teddy sounded devastated but continued, "I thought that guy wouldn't be back for a while, so I still had time to make my move. Who knew he'd show up today?"

"He arrived today? Wasn't he supposed to come later?" Lila was surprised.

"I have no idea," Teddy said. "When I went to see Jamie this afternoon, that guy showed up too. He was smart, tall, handsome, and even treated us to dinner. I didn't get a chance to prove myself and I've already lost."

Lila was surprised. "Tall and handsome?"

"See? Even you're focused on that! Doesn't that mean I have no chance?" Teddy wanted to cry.

Lila held back a laugh. "I thought he'd be a serious, academic type, given that he has a PhD. But don't get discouraged. You're tall and handsome too. And cheerful on top of that. Maybe Jamie prefers someone like you."

"Don't try to comfort me. I know myself." Teddy flopped onto the couch, staring at the ceiling in despair. "Ms. Hart, if you ever have a daughter, would you let her choose me or the other guy?"

That question caught Lila off guard, making her feel guilty. He couldn't possibly know what she had been thinking that day, right?

She rubbed her nose. "Of course, I'd choose you. We're on the same team."

"Ms. Hart! You hesitated!!" Teddy sounded even more heartbroken.

Lila laughed. "You're finally being observant. Don't overthink it. If

like

for it! You don't get

right?

to regret not trying, right?

"That guy might have his strengths, but you have yours too. The childhood friend always loses to the new guy."

Teddy sighed. "That's probably

because childhood friends aren't good enough it's hard not to be impressed with a tall, handsome smart, and nice guy who's also a professor at 27 years old."

"You sound like you're the one falling for him?" Lila teased.

Teddy choked before quickly saying, "No way! I can't stay down like this!

"I gotta goot need to come up with a

strategy. I already signed up for a

annoveldrama

ela

online course about how to win a girl

over

"What?" Lila thought she misheard. "You better not waste your money on some scam."

"It's worth it! The person said his girlfriend cried when she received his gift. I think it's true!"

Lila was alarmed. "You better cancel that nonsense right now! If you want to buy a gift, ask me and Amelia instead!!"

Teddy chuckled. "Ms. Hart, I'll finish my course first, then consult you and Amelia for feedback on my techniques!"

He hung up before Lila could respond.

Now she was the one staring at the ceiling, speechless.

After a moment of thought, she sent Amelia a message. "Your brother might be getting scammed. Go check on him."

Amelia was still up playing on her phone. She immediately sat up. "What the hell?"