And yet he’s putting himself out there and trying to move on. He’s stronger than me.
Again, Max fills my head when I try to imagine it. Even when he isn’t here, he is invading my thoughts.
“I’m quite a bit older than you, right?” he asks.
“Just a few years,” I tell him.
“Is that an issue for you?”
I shake my head. “No, as far as I’m concerned, age is just a number at this point. As long as we get along, I’d consider that a win.”
My words put him at ease, and he relaxes.
“Are you from Boston?” he asks.
“I am. I love it here.” I give him a genuine smile.
It’s the truth. I was born and raised here. It was hard for me to make the move to NYC.
The server comes over to take our order, and I quickly scan the menu and pick the first thing that sounds good.
“Did you ever think about leaving? Seeing what’s out there?” he asks when the server walks away.
“Actually, I travel a lot for work, and to be completely honest, I’m not currently living here in Boston,” I admit.
When I started on the dating app, I decided I didn’t want to date any New Yorkers. I wanted to date someone from my hometown. It’s where I hope to settle down one day.
“Oh, where do you live?” he asks.
“My office is based in New York City, but I come back here to visit all the time.”
“Oh.” He sounds disappointed.
“Is that an issue?”
He shakes his head. “No, not at all.”
“Are you sure?” I push.
He forces a smile. “Yes, of course. Now tell me, where have you gone?”
Leaning back in my chair, I tell him all about the places I’ve been with The Williamson Group. By the time I’m done, he’s shaking his head with a smile.
“Man, I can’t compete with that. I’ve been to Canada and Mexico, and that’s it. Well, besides all fifty states.”
“Hey, all fifty states is an accomplishment on its own,” I point out.
“True.”
The conversation turns again, and while I’m having a good time, I know this isn’t going anywhere. There is no spark between Pete and me. He feels like a friend, and that’s it. He’s nice enough but not my type. Not the kind of guy who I want to settle down and build a life with.
“Iris!” a little voice shouts.
I turn to look right as a little body slams into mine, making me rock in my chair.
“Ari,” I say, full of shock as I stare down at Max’s niece.
“I didn’t know you were joining us for dinner.” She smiles.
