Page 6 of Two Canes, One Cup
“There are twohotguys in the place across the street, but they’re a couple,” I groan. “Probably for the best. I need to just sign off on men for a while.”
Her laugh tinkles into my earbud. “Yea, that sounds like a good idea. Did the place stock everything like you wanted? I think it’s so cool they take your shopping list.”
I purse my lips and blow gently across the top of my frothy hot chocolate. “Yep. They even got the ‘maybe’s’ that I wasn’t sure they’d be able to find.”
“Wow. I’m impressed. Is this still all being billed through Bryan’s card?” she giggles.
“It is.” I feel a little guilty, but it serves him right for baling on me.
“Fuck, yea. I hope you got the expensive shit.”
I know she can’t see me chew on the inside of my cheek. “Not really. I didn’t want him to throw a fit on me about it. There are a few small luxuries though.” Like the expensive chocolate.
And a lot of Christmas snacks.
There’s no way I’m sticking to a diet while I’m up here.
“So jealous,” she groans. “It’d be so relaxing to be in a cabin next to a fire.” Her sigh sounds wishful.
“I haven’t figured that part out. But there’s an electric heater in here too.” The idea of burning stuff and not knowing how to work the fireplace is intimidating.
“Did you get all packed for your trip with Zach?” I fight a yawn as I ask. That six hour drive kicked my butt.
“Mostly. I want to go get some naughty lingerie to tease him with while we’re at his parent’s house.” Her voice drops into conspiracy mode. “I know it’s only been a couple of months, but I really think he’s the one.”
I know that feeling. And hate that my own sour experience is threatening to taint my excitement for her. “I can’t wait to hear if he pops the question! When do you leave?”
“Not until tomorrow since it’s a week until Christmas. I was hoping we could go up earlier to spend some time traveling the area, but he said he had some things to finish here first. I’ve heard that Vermont is beautiful in the winter.” She has a sing-song tone as she talks.
It’s almost putting me to sleep.
“You’ll have to let me know how the drive goes. I think I’m going to go to bed early. Love ya!” I fight another yawn as she says goodbye, then pull out my earbuds and set them on the coffee table.
This is a nice place. Cozy. One big room with a kitchenette and a king bed upstairs in a loft. It’s easily twice the size of my tiny apartment in Akron.
Maybe I should find a home like this? Just big enough for me, off the beaten path, but with the internet for work.
If only I had someone to snuggle up with to keep me warm.
Stop it. This is about me findingme.Not just whining about being single.
It’s not like Bryan was the poster child for a good boyfriend. He was almost always cold and distant.
Sex was an obligation.
What if I was the side piece? How different would things be if I was the sole focus of whoever I ended up with?
I need to quit dreaming.
If I focus on myself and improve my business, I know the right person will come along. I’m sure I read that in some self-help book.
Yet here I am in this romantic little getaway.
Alone.
Okay, this bed isamazing.
With a long, languid stretch, I debate even getting out of it. The thick comforter is just too warm to want to crawl away from.
