Page 51 of The Reboot
‘Sorry?’
‘What’s so amazing about me? Be specific.’
He laughed. ‘I’d forgotten how exacting you can be.’
She shrugged. ‘I don’t like those vague meaningless compliments. How did you reach this conclusion? Show your work.’
‘No, I like that you don’t let me get away with lazy thinking – keeps me on my toes.’
‘So tell me – what’s so amazing about me?’
‘Well, this for a start – your intellectual rigour, the way you don’t just take a compliment lying down.’
She laughed. ‘I’m glad you like that because, believe me, it’s not a popular attribute.’
‘You’re also kind and wise and forgiving of human frailty, and I like that underneath your tough, snarky exterior you have an incredibly good heart. You have no time for sloppy sentimentality, but you’re upfront and honest about your feelings. You’re the most authentic person I’ve ever met.’
‘Wow! I do sound kind of amazing.’
‘And I like that when a guy gives you a compliment, your response is to challenge it and interrogate his reasoning.’
‘Yeah, I could have just said thanks.’
‘But then you wouldn’t be you.’
‘So I haven’t debunked your proposition that I’m amazing?’
‘No, you’ve rather confirmed it. This is exactly what I love about you.’
Love. Notloved. She was taken aback by his casual use of the present tense. ‘So where are you living now?’ she asked.
‘I have an apartment in Stoneybatter.’
‘Do you … live alone?’
‘Yeah, I do.’
‘So, are you seeing anyone?’
‘No.’ A slow smile crept across his face. ‘I’m not.’ He reached across the table and took her hand, and she felt a spark of something she hadn’t had in a long time.
Could this really happen, she wondered. Could they pick up where they left off?
‘How about you?’
‘Hm?’
‘You mentioned paying rent. So you’re not still living with your mother?’
‘No. I’m actually living with Roly Punch.’ She raised her eyebrows in a can-you-believe-it expression.
‘Oh!’ He jerked back, releasing her hand.
‘Oh no, not like that!’ She grabbed his hand. ‘We’re not shacking up or anything. We’re just … housemates.’
‘How did that happen?’
‘Long story.’
