I can’t help wondering what it is she’s worried about.
“Care to walk with me?” I ask, gesturing toward the sidewalk.
She gives me a sweet smile and nods. “Sure.”
“Or would you rather jog?” I ask, hoping she chooses the leisurely walk. I’d like to get to know her better.
A short laugh escapes her, and then she says something I don’t like. Not one bit. “Do I look like I jog?”
I stop moving and look down at her. “Did you just cut yourself down?”
“Uh….”
“Because that’s not okay. I happen to think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
Oh shit, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
“You do?”
My God, her voice sounds weak—and dare I say sad?
“I do. I was just thinking about you.”
With that same little voice, she asks, “You were?”
“I was.”
“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but what were you thinking?”
“Well….” I chuckle. “Besides the fact that you’re gorgeous, I was thinking how nice it was to have you there with me at the vet’s office.”
“Oh….” She reaches out and pats my shoulder. “I’m glad I could be there.”
I decide to tell her the rest. “I don’t have many friends here.” I used to think Sam was a friend, but I’m not so sure about that anymore. “And it was great. You know, not going through that alone.”
“I’ve got one good friend nearby, but she’s married and lives in Hoboken.”
“Jersey.” I nod. Lots of my coworkers live in Jersey and commute into the city. Mostly, like she said, the married ones. The ones who want houses and yards, unlike us city dwellers who just love living in tiny apartments. I scoff at the thought.
“What?”
“Just thinking about those people who live in Jersey with their fancy houses and yards.” Then I laugh. “Then there’s us with our cramped apartments.”
“True. But the city is perfect for me right now. If I had kids, I’d probably think about it.”
“Me too.”
“You want kids?” she asks, sounding a bit surprised.
“I do. You?”
“I did.” She shrugs. “I’m not sure it’s in the cards for me.”
I’ll give her some kids.
Oh shit, why did my mind go there?
“Why not?”
