Page 85 of You're The One
Why is “I have no idea” not an acceptable answer? I’m still young and have my whole life to “dosomething.” But also, who decided you have to find fulfillment in work? That what you do is who you are? I have a feeling it’ll never be that way for me.
It’s great for Ryan and Dom, who found something they loved as kids and turned it into careers. But they’re the exception, not the rule.
For some, it takes time or a bit of trial and error to find theirthing. Look at Hannah. She only recently took the leap into pursuing her passion for animal rescue.
I shift in my chair, catching Dom’s eye. His small nod gives me the push I need.
“I’m sorta in between things right now,” I start, but it doesn’t feel right.
I blow out a soft breath. “Actually, to be honest, I haven’t figured out what I want to do long term. I’ve mostly been traveling, taking odd jobs here and there… and my brother helps when things get tight.” I flash Ryan a grin. “Thanks, bro.”
Ryan chuckles. “Anytime.”
My answer, not unlike my life, is messy and not fully formed.
Charlie probably thinks I’m a directionless mooch.
I’m sure the other women had the perfect answer to his question, andallthe others that are coming. It’s just another reminder of how much I don’t fit in, but at the same time, I’m going to own it. The only thing worse than feeling inadequate is letting other people know it.
“That’s okay.” Charlie smiles warmly. “You’re still young. Quite a bit younger than the other girls?—”
“Dad,” Dom cuts in sharply.
“Well, she is.” Charlie turns back to me. “Are you ready to settle down?”
And I thought the career question was going to be the hardest one.
“Umm…”
“You don’t have to answer that,” Dom interrupts again, shooting his dad a look.
I wonder what Dom told him before this date. Does he know I’ve been playing matchmaker? That Dom and I have a rocky history? Has he already made up his mind about me?
“No, it’s okay.” I hope he can’t see how stiff I’ve gone.
Am I ready to settle down?
If anyone asked me a few weeks ago, the answer would’ve been a resounding no. But now? Settling doesn’t feel like quite the right word… but could I see sharing my life with someone? Opening myself up to the possibility? I think so. Maybe.
“I’ll stick with being honest and tell you I didn’t anticipate finding love here, but I think I’ve always wanted to find it.”
“That’s news to me,” Ryan mumbles, and Hannah shoots him a look that saysshut up.
Charlie nods. “It’s important to be at the same place emotionally when you build a life with someone. To want the same things…” He trails off, caught in a memory. Then he shakes his head and chuckles. “Sorry. Nine years is just a big difference. Dom’s mother was a handful of years younger than me when we got together.
“I know. Dom told me?—”
“He did?” Ryan blurts, raising his brows at Dom.
Dom ignores him and turns to his dad. “All right, Pops. How about we don’t dredge up the past?”
Charlie doesn’t take offense, only smiles lovingly at his son.
“Don’t they say men mature more slowly than women? The way I see it, he’s the one with some catching up to do,” I tease, aiming to steer the conversation into less tumultuous waters. I think I succeed, because everyone laughs.
“I like your attitude. It’s refreshing.”
Did I just win dad points? Huh.Go me.
