Page 60 of Let Me

“What do you do for work?”he inquires.

“I’m an administrative assistant.I opted to go to a two-year college so I could get into the workforce faster.My life is here in Arden.I don’t have big dreams of making boatloads of money.It really can’t buy happiness.”

“You don’t think a brand new car would make you happy?”

I grin and say, “There’s nothing wrong with the car I got.”

“So, what would make Autumn Pemberton happy?”

“I’m generally happy already.I’m not looking for any one person or thing tomakeme happy.Happiness lives within.”

“You sound like one of those nature people.”

“I am one of those people.I love nature.”

“See, I knew it.”

I dip another pretzel and ask, “How do you like the new school?”

“It’s nice.I’ve never seen so many single teachers at one school.I feel naked when walking down the hallway.”

Smiling through laughter, I say, “Oh, no.”

“Yeah, I’m used to it,” he says.

“Speaking of those single teachers, what exactly do you look for in a woman?”I ask.

I’m not interested in going on a date with him again.That much I can already tell.I’m just making conversation at this point.

He says, “I look for normality.I don’t want to end up with someone who is a littleoff.”

Amused, I ask, “Have you been with someone who’soff?”

“Uh...yes.I went out with this woman and she ended up stalking me afteronedate.”

“Wow.You must’ve made quite the impression.”

“I think I did.I got roses, letters, the whole nine.Finally, I had to sit down with her and tell her it was over.”

“Okay, that is pretty crazy.”

“As for what I really value in a woman, though, I’d say she has to have ethics, a good moral character, a good head on her shoulders, and just be about something.”

“I heard that.”

“What do you look for in a man?”

“Passion.I like a man who knows how to lead and not wait on me to do it.I need a man who knows that his physical strength matches my mental fortitude and that together, we can be a force.He would be a man of integrity, good morals, and humility.A man who loves his family and who would love me through the good and bad times.”

After sitting quietly for a moment, he says, “I think you just described Jesus.”

“Shut up,” I say, laughing.

“Just kidding, but I get it.I’m with you all the way.”

I glance at my watch.Before I got here, I told myself I would give it at least an hour.It’s a quarter past that and my bed is calling me.I have to work in the morning and so does he.

I tell him something to this effect.He covers the bill and we leave shortly thereafter.He opens the door as we head outside.

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