that experience, I no longer had the inclination to filter through internet lunacy. I decided if true love was meant to find me, it would happen the old-fashioned way. You know, our eyes would lock over the knockwurst at the supermarket or we’d bump into each other while carefully thumping melons in produce.”
Or you’d come home and realize your best friend is really your soulmate. Instead of saying that, I comment, “Your idea of falling in love seems to be quite food-oriented.”
“Lady and the Tramp made a profound impact on me as a child.”
“Ah yes, the spaghetti scene. Animated romance at its finest.” Buck gently places his arm around my waist as we cross through the front door of the restaurant.
My friend isn’t going to be in town long and I need to speed things up to see if something more is destined to happen between us. I decide that we’re going to kiss tonight and find out once and for all if there’s any physical chemistry between us. I don’t want it to make our friendship weird, but it’s a chance worth taking if it turns out he’s the one.
Chapter Forty-Two
May 11, 2016
Dear Molly,
I owe my mom an apology. I was way too critical of her relationships with men. In retrospect, I applaud her dedication to putting herself out there in the pursuit of love. How did she do it? How did she suffer through the awkward dates and keep an optimistic attitude?
Either she was convinced her soulmate really existed, or she was so afraid of being alone that fear fueled her pursuits. Whichever, my hat is totally off to her. Dating is not for wimps.
Buck orders a bottle of champagne and toasts, “To us. Two people who beat the odds and have turned their lives around. May we keep fighting the good fight.”
I clink glasses with him, and wonder if someday we’ll be toasting, To best friends who fell in love and lived happily ever after.
We order everything on the menu that sounds too good to pass up and wind up with four appetizers and three entrees. “We’re going to need to be wheeled out of here,” Buck says.
“We need to refuel after our epic exercise session this afternoon.” After placing my napkin in my lap and taking a fortifying sip of champagne, I say, “Jessica actually seemed nice, huh?” I’m trying to gage Buck’s reaction to his past crush. If he gushes too much, it won’t speak well for his romantic interest in me.
“I think she’s very different from the girl she used to be in high school.”
What does that even mean? Of course she’s different; high school was twelve years ago. I decide I no longer want to pursue this topic and demand, “Tell me about your life in London.”
“You already know about my life in London.”
“What’s the everyday stuff like? You know the food, the people, the atmosphere?”
He clears his throat before announcing, “The water is room temperature, the beer is cool but not cold, and the curry is the best in the world.” He raises an eyebrow, “Is that what you’re asking?”
“What about the people? What it’s like to live in such a busy city?”
“The people are funny, exciting, annoying, and they use the word ‘wanker’ a lot.” I release an unexpected snort. He adds, “The city is loud, crowded, and breathtakingly beautiful. I suppose you’re asking because you’re planning your move there?” He’s clearly referring to my comment to Jessica about relocating to London to be with him.
“Maybe,” I answer evasively.
“Are you really considering it?” He sounds surprised. I can’t tell if that’s underlying fear or excitement in his tone.
I let myself get sucked into his silvery gray gaze before answering, “I don’t know, maybe.”
“What would you do there?”
Huh, what would I do for work? Keep his house, make his babies, support his dreams? I can’t imagine giving up my dreams for any man. “I’d probably get a job in a nursing home like I have here.”
“It’s expensive to live there,” he says like he’s trying to burst my bubble. I thought he’d be thrilled I was even considering it.
“I’d have to visit before I could make such a big decision.” Then I challenge, “Do you suppose my best friend would let me stay in his big house while I do that, or will I have to stay in a hotel?”
He pretends to really consider before answering, “Your best friend would probably let you stay with him.”
“Probably, huh? Some friend if he has