“Sorry, that was a?—”
“Freya,” I laugh. “That wasn’t even five minutes.”
“I guess I really do like saying that word, huh?”
“In answer to your question, no, I don’t think I do. I think there’s something there from the beginning, but it needs to be nurtured to allow it to grow into something more.”
She chews on her bottom lip as she absorbs my words.
“What about you?” I ask when I don’t think she’s going to respond.
“I used to.”
I shake my head as what she’s really saying settles.
She used to believe untilheshattered everything she thought she knew about love and relationships.
“Maybe that works for some people, but I think they’re in the minority.”
“You sound like you know what you’re talking about.”
“Absolutely not. I’m just talking from experience of watching teammates meet a woman and fall in love. It takes time to learn everything about each other and to know if you’re compatible to build a life together. Often those who fall in love at first sight don’t see things until it’s too late.”
“I feel that. Maybe if I’d taken things slower, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
“And what a travesty that would be. I know he hurt you, Freya. But I, for one, am very glad you ended up where you are right now.”
“Everything happens for a reason, right?”
“You got it. As painful as the hard lessons in life might be, in the long run, they make us better people.”
“There’s a lot more to you than meets the eye, isn’t there?”
“I’m not just a guy who stops a bit of rubber for a living,” I tease.
“I never thought you were. You’re also a terrible cook. And a fantastic barista.”
“Both things you didn’t know at first sight.”
“Touché,” she muses as I take the final turn that’ll lead me to her parents’ house.
“How’s the apartment hunting going?” I ask as I bring the car to a stop.
“It isn’t.”
“I’ll hook you up with my realtor; she’ll be able to find you something.”
“Thank you, I really appreciate that. I’m not sure I’m willing to pay the cost of the rent for a decent place, though.”
“I can speak to your boss about a raise, if you’d like.”
“What? No. No.”
I smile, loving that she isn’t fazed at all about my money.
“If you ever want to stay at my place, you’re more than welcome,” I offer. I live right in the heart of downtown LA. If she’s out with Casey or on another date, then it makes sense for her to crash with me rather than travel all the way out here.
“I don’t want to get in your way.”
