Page 5 of Just the Tipsy
“I’m just saying! It’s top of mind.” Mom shrugs, as if we haven’t had this very same discussion countless times. “And it’s been almost two years, sweetheart.”
The way Mom’s voice softens when she talks about how long it’s been since I’ve dated makes me a tiny bit guilty for just a second. A very, very brief second.
Yes, it’s been a year and a half since my short-lived engagement imploded, but I don’t think there’s enough time for me to want to date again. To be honest, Christine was my only serious relationship and we’ve known each other since fourth grade. We didn’t start dating until college.
Then our relationship fell apart the first time by senior year because she wanted to “explore and experiment”. Five years passed and I took her back because I thought that she’d actually changed.
Yeah, she didn’t change.
But despite knowing that, Mom doesn’t get why I don’t want to get married and pop out a bunch of kids right this second. In her eyes, I’m young, fairly good-looking, and have a good career — I should have my pick of all the women in town, who she frequently sets me up on horribly awkward dates with.
And to her, me dating someone would push me up to the level of perfection she’s always driven me to. The level that until somewhat recently, I’ve always hit.
I think the only way I’d be free of this issue is if I start dating someone. And since she won’t let it go…
Maybe I can wait it out. But Mom is relentless. It’s almost admirable.
I turn my attention to Lady again, checking her eyes and hips for any issues.
“Lady looks great,” I say instead of addressing what Mom said. “But her weight is a little bit high. As long as you get her more exercise and avoid people food, we should be able to get it under control before it affects her hips.”
“She doesn’t eat that much people food.” Mom looks offended for a second, but I stare at her. “Okay, fine, she’s been having a lot of pup cups lately.”
When she says pup cups, Lady whips around like she’s looking for one, hitting me in the face with her wagging tail. I raise an eyebrow at Mom.
“I know, I know. I’ll lay off them.” Mom sighs, tapping around on her phone.
“Good. Let me give her her boosters, then you’ll be good to go.” I hop up and grab the tray of shots that the vet tech brought in for me before I came in.
Lady knows and trusts me, so she stays still while I give her shots. I dispose of the needles and stand up.
“By the way,” Mom says as she stands. “Do you remember my friend Michelle? Her daughter?—”
“No,” I say before she can even finish her sentence.
“You haven’t even seen her!” Mom shows me her phone. “She’s pretty.”
She’s okay, but Bianca pops into my head. I don’t think any woman is going to hold a candle to her.
Her perfect features. Her soft-looking tawny brown skin. Her tall frame with just the right amount of curves to it.
Sure, she gave off an icy vibe, but first appearances aren’t everything. She might just be shy.
I’m not sure how much we’ll see each other as neighbors, but I want to see more of her. From a distance, because I don’t think I can ever speak to her again without wanting to die.
My face heats again. I have no idea what happened. I was doing just fine the whole time even though looking at her perfect, gorgeous face was making my heart practically vibrate in my chest. Having some things to say — things I’m confident in — helped me.
But then she touched my arm. And my brain short-circuited.
A touch to my damnarm.If she touched me anywhere else, I don’t know what would happen.
“She’s fine, but I’m not interested.” I clip on Lady’s leash and open the door. Yeah, I’m being a bit rude, but I’m exhausted. “Marisol will check you out.”
“Maybe y’all can meet each other,” Mom says, like I didn’t speak at all. She takes Lady’s leash. “She’s invited to Wes and Rose’s engagement party.”
“When is that again?” I ask.
“In two weeks,” Mom says, exasperated that I didn’t remember this completely unnecessary event. Do Rose and Wes even want this? “Check the family Google calendar.”
