“Straight from 1956.”
Ken smirks. “Don’t act like you don’t want that life. Every woman does.”
“Not this woman. I love my job. I love my dog. You never asked what I dream of, and because of that, this isn’t going to work.”
“That’s not—”
“It is. You’re selfish. Not only in the bedroom but in life. Your dreams mean more than mine. And you think you’ve claimed me, but you haven’t.”
He scoffs. “Selfish? Holly, you’re blowing this out of proportion.”
“Are you trying to say I’m being dramatic?”
“Yes.”
“You want me to give up my dog and my independence, but I’m dramatic because I’m saying no? Sounds like a selfish man to me.”
“Every woman wants this!” he shouts. “You all talk about marrying rich so you can be taken care of! That’s what I’m offering you!”
The surrounding tables have gone quiet, and the server glares like she’s ready to smack him upside the head with a wine bottle.
“Why assume all women want the same thing?”
“Because you do.”
“So, are all men exactly the same?”
He shakes his head. “No. Men are diverse. You’ve got ambitious breadwinners like me, tattooed playboys like your brother’s roommate—”
“Wait, how do you know about Decker?”
“I checked into you before asking you out.”
Creepy. “How?”
“Paid with credit card. I saw your name. It wasn’t hard to find you online.”
“This isn’t going to work out, Ken. I’m sorry.”
I stand, and he grabs my wrist, tugging me to face him. “What exactly did I do that was so horrible?”
“You want to control the woman you’re with. You decided what I want without asking. And you looked into me like a stalker. I can’t be with someone like that. For the record, though,” I say, pulling my wrist from his grip, “you’re right when you say it’s not really a choice between you and my dog. I choose my dog.”
He stands, tossing his napkin on the table. “You’ll never find another man like me, Holly. If you leave now, I won’t take you back again.”
“Again?” I almost laugh. “You know, I hope you can find a girl who wants what you do, but I’m not that girl.”
Walking away, I let out a long breath, and I feel relief. And then amusement when I hear a guy say, “Bro, you might want to get out of here before all the women here stab you with forks.”
“Because I said what everyone thinks?” Ken challenges.
I can’t help it. I turn and watch because there’s no way he’s actually defending himself right now.
“No, you’re messed up. No wonder she chose the dog. Even I wanna kick your ass.”
Good luck, Ken.
Outside, I breathe in the chilly air and take a moment. Deep down, I always knew who I’d choose. I just didn’t think the process of elimination would be this easy. At the end of the day, I need to be me—because I’m the one I’m with for the rest of my life.
