Page 5 of My Book Boyfriend
As does Aiden.
But Aiden hasn’t asked me out, even though he’ll text me funny memes or thoughts on what he’s reading. I should give up. Bella always psycho-analyzes me, saying that I only find men who are not interested romantically because I’m afraid to fall in love and get hurt after my mom’s death.
That’s not important now.
Tonight is about saving the garden. And if my date with Aiden doesn’t go well, I’ll regroup and consider going back into the dating pool again.
At the corner, the red light holds steady as cars turn into the side street. Next to us is a flower store. Pots with tulips and roses abound in all the colors of the rainbow. I look back.
Rupert has caught up with Mr. Devi.That’s kind of sweet.
“If that guy asked you out, would you say yes?” Bella asks as we cross with the green light.
“What guy?” Probably too late to play innocent.
“The one who just made you all flustered inside the library and who waited outside for you. And the one you just turned around to check out.”
“Youmade me all flustered inside the library,” I say.
“I wanted to make sure he knows we have high standards for our men,” Bella says.
Neighbors bustle home, their coats zipped up against the cold. We pass restaurant after restaurant, and the whiffs of coconut curry, pizza, and fried food are making me hungry. There’s not much space to walk here, between the tables set out for dining in the wooden sheds and the delivery bikes tangled together, all locked to a single pole.
“And you haven’t answered the question,” Bella says.
“Yes. I’m not a complete idiot. I know that Aiden probably isn’t romantically interested, and that guy seems like a good guy.”
“And he reads.”
“And he reads.”
“Where does he live? You should take some walks near his block.”
“That’s confidential information. And he was dressed in a very sharp suit, so he probably works very late.”
“Still, it’s always good to take a walk and clear your head. Next time I take a plot-walk for one of my books, if you want to come and lead the way, I will happily follow.”
We reach 86thStreet.
Bella drops my arm and faces me. “Shouldn’t you just ask Aiden what the deal is? Tell him you like him and ask him if he likes you? It’s just that last year, you had high hopes for the gala and then you were disappointed.”
“I have to see him every day if he says he doesn’t like me,” I say.
“He travels enough that you probably wouldn’t run into him that much in the hallway between our apartments.”
“I don’t want to put him on the spot,” I say. “If nothing happens at the gala, I promise you I’ll give up on Aiden.”
Bella harrumphs and pulls the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder. “You asking him to the gala again should have been a pretty clear sign, but he probably thinks this is an extension of your brunch-buddy relationship.”
“Brunch-buddy relationships have their place.” But granted, do not give much hope of a passionate romance.
“Did you at least yell at him for standing you up for brunch this past Sunday?”
“No,” I say. “What would be the point?”
“The point is that he takes advantage of your good nature, and you let him.”
“In the end, it was more food for us.”
