Page 125 of Grown-Up Second Chance

“I don’t expect you to.”

“But that’s a whole year away from each other. How can we find out if we’re compatible at all, if there is something worth building on, if we never see each other?”

“We can keep in touch.”

I shook my head. “It’s got to be more than that, or all we’ll be is strangers with common memories.”

“We can talk on the phone every night,” he suggested.

Maybe we could learn how to do great phone sex.

“I’m not sure that’s enough.”

“And I’m not sure what you’re looking for.” His fists flexed in frustration.

I wasn’t sure how to tell him what I needed.

Larry had been great at grand gestures that ultimately meant nothing.

Joe was honest to the core, but probably didn’t have a florist on speed dial.

“I’m not either,” I said truthfully. “I love old romantic classics. They’re full of great moments. Maybe that’s what I need. Things like Lancelot laying his sword at the Guinevere’s feet.”

“She was a married woman.”

“Oh, yeah. Ilsa and Rick from Casablanca?”

“She left,” Joe deadpanned.

“Rhett and Scarlett?”

“He left.”

“How about Romeo and Juliet?” I asked.

He frowned. “They committed mutual suicide. I’m not up for that.”

“Maybe not, then.” We walked on. My mood was lighter, but the original question hadn’t been answered.

“It doesn’t have to be a whole year,” he said. “I’d love to see New England in the fall. I can see Tess at MIT, then catch up with you in the Hudson River Valley. Kathleen said Liz is determined to go there.”

“She’s insistent.”

“I could meet up with you there, and we could run off and see the foliage while your sister paints.”

Separate rooms? I wanted to ask. But we weren’t there yet.

“That could be fun.”

“Where are you spending Christmas?” he asked.

“Nashville,” I said. “Kathleen’s kids are coming. Patrick is home on leave. Megan and her husband are happy to leave Hardin in the winter.”

“I get that one,” he said. “Tess is going to Dillon and staying with Bug and his family. We’re celebrating there. That’s important to me.”

“And you should be with them,” I said. I could bear a Christmas without a man again.

No big deal.

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