Page 58 of Resisting Fate
“Why? It’s less expensive and healthier.”
His lips pressed into a flat line, serious now. “It became a chore for me. Growing up, my mom had a lot of terrible migraines from the brain cancer, so I was the one that cooked and sort of ran the household. Now that I don’t have to, I want a break.”
Her throat tightened with raw emotion. “I’m sorry. I totally get that. Sometimes you need to start fresh.”
He nodded once. “You ever start fresh?”
Many, many times.Starting over at her aunt’s house, on the streets, in several foster homes, in her married hell, out of her married hell, in Clover Park. She swallowed hard, telling herself to try to be more open. “Yes.”
He studied her, long moments ticking by in silence. “That’s it? Just yes?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm…”
She smoothed her napkin in her lap, folding the corner of it up and back, up and back.
“So what’s the deal with Sabrina?” he asked.
She straightened, relaxing again, glad he hadn’t pushed her for more. “What do you mean? Sabrina’s great.”
“She single?”
She narrowed her eyes. “You seriously taking me on a date and planning your next date with one of my closest friends?”
He crooked his finger at her. When she didn’t move, he said, “C’mere, I have a secret to tell you.”
She rolled her eyes and leaned in. “What?”
He held her by the chin. “I want you and only you for as long as you’ll have me.”
Her lips parted in surprise.
His fingers released her chin, stroking lightly down her throat. “Got it?”
She nodded, eyes stinging, and leaned back.
One corner of his mouth lifted as he gazed into her eyes. “You’re such a softie.”
She frowned. “I’m just not used to, you know, sweet stuff.”
“Sweet stuff? Are you calling me sweet stuff?” He pulled out his wallet and removed a business card, holding it up. “Can somebody take my man card?”
She laughed. “Put that away!”
He grinned and tucked it back in his wallet.
“To answer your question, yes, Sabrina’s single. You thinking of Logan? They do have lunch together sometimes. He’s single, right?”
“Yeah.” He shoved his wallet back in his pocket and gave her a wry look. “Have you heard her laugh at his stupid jokes? What woman laughs at aMonsters, Inc.impression—” he made his voice high and scratchy “—‘I’m watching you, Wazowski, always watching.’ Seriously, no woman in her right mind would think that was funny unless she was into him.”
She cocked her head. “Well, if it’s a good impression—”
“It’s a kids’ movie!”
She thought about her friend. “Sabrina’s kind of an expert on relationships. She’s helped so many people find their way to satisfying relationships in her counseling practice. If she hasn’t given him the signal, it’s because she doesn’t think he’s a good match for her relationship-wise.”
“Wazowski,” he returned, as if that said everything.
