“No, it’s okay.” I pause to formulate my answer. “There was nothing physically wrong with me, I just made the conscious decision not to have children. I mean, I enjoy children. Some children. Like Dani’s kids. They’re great. I just never had the desire to have children of my own. Most think I’m weird or wasting an opportunity.”
Xander shakes his head again. “No, you’re not weird. If anything, that’s more responsible. Just because a womancanhave kids doesn’t mean sheshould. Not saying you wouldn’t have made a terrific mom, just saying, it’s your choice, so everybody can keep their opinions to themselves.”
“For a few years, I tried different forms of birth control from oral contraceptives to injections, but I was one of those individuals who had horrible adverse reactions to it all. And I certainly didn’t like the idea of having an IUD placed inside me, so I chose to have my tubes tied. Never thought my mom would ever forgive me for that decision.”
“I take it you don’t have siblings that can give your parents grandchildren?”
“Nope. Just lil’ ol’ me.”
“Now I’m kinda sorry neither one of us wants kids. We’d have beautiful babies.”
My jaw goes slack and by the grin on Xander’s face, I realize I just fell for his teasing. I can’t help but smile as my insides turn to mush. “How is it I’m completely addicted to you already?”
“Mmm, I like the sound of that. And it’s the same for me.”
I cross my arms over his pecs to rest my chin and stare at him. “Soooo, where do we go from here?”
“How ‘bout we start with a quick shower before going to the show? I mean, if you still want to go.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Are you always so literal?”
His eyes take on the cutest shine when he smiles. “Nah. I knew what you meant. I’m just avoiding getting into anything too deep.” When I tilt my head, he rushes on. “As far as any discussion right now.” He pushes back my hair, framing my face. “I mean, do I want to get in deep with you? Yeah, Michelle, I do. I want to spend time with you beyond today, beyond tomorrow, even next week. I want—”
“I want that too.” I smile at him. “But after that shower I’m gonna need you to take me home for some panties.”
He gets a wicked grin on his face. “So, no going commando, I take it?”
I bury my face against his chest and burst with laughter, my body shaking delightfully against his. “Uh, no, I’m not quitethatdaring.”
“Too bad.” He winks.
Nearly an hour later, we arrive at the Delray Beach Playhouse. After multiple texts from Dani and Stacy, I had to reassure them we were fine and on our way to the show. It’s a packed venue, as we knew it would be, and we’re glad we decided to hire an Uber instead of having Xander drive. Otherwise, it would’ve been easier just to walk from my place. Okay, so that was exaggerating, but I’m glad we aren’t walking several blocks because it’s still hot and humid at 6:30PM.
The show was due to start half an hour ago if it started on time, and when Xander opens the door to enter, we hear roaring laughter. Exchanging a glance, we nearly cringe, knowing even with the lights dimmed, we aren’t getting to our seats without being noticed. After all, they’re practically front-and-center.Dani’s last text said she’d save the aisle seats for us so we wouldn’t have to crawl over anyone.
Just as I’m ready to move forward, Xander places his hand on my arm to still me. “Um, how ‘bout we hang out back here a bit and wait for an intermission?” He whispers.
I glance up at him and see a nervous expression on his face. “You want to stand here in the shadows?” I whisper in return. When he simply shrugs, I know there’s something going on with him. “Xander, what’s wrong? Are you just being courteous, so we don’t interrupt the performance?”
“Something like that.”
I decide to go along with his request, knowing there’s got to be a good reason but decide not to question him right now. “Okay, we’ll—”
“Hey! What’s all that commotion in the peanut gallery?”
I whip my head toward the stage and those loud words coming from Adam Sandler. Nearly every head in the auditorium has turned our way. Looking up at Xander, I see him roll his eyes as he takes my hand.
“I’ll apologize in advance,” he says, suddenly leading me down the aisle, presumably toward our seats.
“Well, looky who decided to join us,” Adam says into the mic, chuckling. “Xander, my man.”
I startle a little at Adam Sandler,theAdam Sandler calling Xander’s name as if they know one another.
“And he has a date?” Kevin James says with exaggerated surprise.
I look again at Xander to see him grinning even as he rolls his eyes and shakes his head. When we get to our places in the second row, he waves a hand for me to take the seat next to Dani, leaving him with the one on the aisle. As we’re seated, the audience is murmuring, probably wondering what the heck is going on. I know I am.
“Are ya settled there, bud?” Adam says. “Okay for us to go on?”
