“People aren’t always what they seem.”
“I’m beginning to see that, especially when it comes to you.”
She turned to face me and took a sip of her coffee. “Enough about me. I’d like to hear more about you. Do your parents live out here? You don’t talk about your family much.”
“No, they live in Buffalo, New York.”
“That’s on the other side of the country. You must miss them.”
I shrugged. “I do. Sometimes I don’t always see eye-to-eye with my dad though.”
“Why is that?”
“I was a rebellious teenager, and my dad is still getting used to the newer more responsible me.”
She nodded. “Ahh. So, he has an image of you, but you feel like you’ve outgrown that image?”
I stared at her for a few seconds, surprised that she’d identified the issue so quickly. “Yeah, that’s exactly it.”
“Have you talked to him about how it makes you feel?”
I glanced away. “Not really. I’ve expressed annoyance, but I haven’t told him it bothers me. I keep hoping my actions will be enough. That he’ll see the steps I’ve taken in my life and figure out I’m not the same irresponsible kid I used to be.”
“It’s true that actions speak louder than words, but sometimes people need help connecting the dots.”
I laughed. “Interesting way to put it.”
“He needs to know his perception bothers you.”
“Easier said than done.”
“True. I suppose that those are the hardest conversations to have, but I think you’ll feel better if you address the issue.” Her phone rang, and she glanced at the screen and shrugged. “That’s Robert, but I’ll call him back later.” A minute later her phone chirped, indicating a message, but she ignored it.
I gestured to her phone. “You sure you don’t want to check that?” Robert wasn’t my favorite person, but he’d been a huge support to her, and I didn’t want to get in the way just because I disliked the guy.
“Maybe later. I don’t want to be rude. I hate it when people are constantly on their phone during a date.” Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d just said. It was a slip of the tongue, an easy mistake, but I couldn’t say it didn’t make me smile, nonetheless.
I cocked an eyebrow and smirked. “This isn’t a date.” Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed that button, but I wanted to see how she would respond.
“I know.” She ran a hand through her hair and looked away, pink coloring her cheeks. “I’m tired, and when I get tired, I say stupid things. Maybe I secretly want to be on a date and that’s why I said it.” Her eyes widened again, and this time, she placed both hands over her face as if trying to hide. “Oh, my goodness, I really need to stop talking. It just slipped out…” She paused and shook her head like she couldn’t believe she’d said that, still holding her hands over her face. “I am so embarrassed.”
I leaned forward and gently tugged her hands away from her face. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. I should have let the comment pass without saying anything. I’m the one who should be ashamed, not you.”
Her cheeks were flaming red now, and I felt guilty for making her feel that way. She turned toward me, her skin glowing and beautiful from all the blushing. “I bet you’re used to female clients hitting on you all the time. You must think I’m silly.”
“I’ve had a few hit on me, yes, but the job has a no-fraternization policy regarding employees and clients.”
“I understand. Lines can become blurred if a relationship develops.”
“Exactly. If the lines are blurred, it puts the client at risk.”
She met my gaze for a second and then glanced away. “Have you ever crossed that line? Even just a little?”
“Never.”
She nodded. “I’m not surprised. You seem very dedicated to your job.” An awkward silence filled the space and then she cleared her throat. “Is there someone special in your life?”
“Special?”
“Yeah, you know… Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Didn’t your mom ask that question already?”
She shrugged. “That was the first day we met, and you didn’t know us well. Now that we’re kind of friends, I’m asking for the real story.”
She was fishing for information, and I couldn’t say it didn’t make me a little giddy inside. “My answer is the same. I don’t have much time for that.” It was technically true, or, at least, it used to be. Honestly, if I was allowed to date Kayla, I would make time.
“Oh. That’s too bad.” She took a sip of her coffee, her forehead creasing. “I’m sorry that your schedule makes it hard to socialize.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I like my work.” I like you. But I couldn’t say that and didn’t want to give her hope when I couldn’t back it up with action. I hated when guys made empty promises they couldn’t keep. I did my best not to be that kind of man.
“Don’t you want to settle down and have a family eventually?”
“Yes, when God brings the right woman.” The moment the words left my mouth, I wanted to take them back. I was so used to saying that to people when they asked me why I wasn’t married, but if I’d thought it through first, I wouldn’t have said it to Kayla. I really liked her and didn’t want her to think I didn’t see her as a potential wife. But on the other hand, I couldn’t let her know I did see her that way. What a mess.
“Oh.” She leaned against the couch, her big blue eyes meeting my gaze. Folding her hands in her lap, she leaned forward. “What is your ideal woman? What are you looking for?”
Again, I couldn’t hide that
