“There are delicious vegetable dishes. You simply need to do more exploring and learn how to prepare them properly.”
She lifted her chin in that way she did when she was being stubborn.
“Nope. It’s a myth. They’re not good. But I recognize they aregood for me. Which means I let myself eat hot dogs, but when I feel like I’ve gone overboard, I put myself on restriction and choose salad instead. That is why I ordered this salad. Why did you ask?”
“Because I was hoping to hear a diatribe on your dislike for vegetables, of course.”
“Well, fair warning. You ask a question, I’m going to give you an answer.”
“So noted,” I said, taking another bite of my sandwich. Grilled chicken and avocado. No mayo, no bacon, no cheese.
Not because I didn’t like mayo, bacon and cheese. I loved them all. It was just that Allison had always been so strict with our diet.
Lean protein, low fat, limited sugar. She was extremely health conscious.
After I lost her, it didn’t occur to me to stray from what had been our habit. It’s not as if food brought me any pleasure. For months after I’d lost her, I had to force myself to eat. I’d barely tasted anything.
Except now, I thought this sandwich tasted pretty dry.
“I ordered this because grilled chicken is a lean protein and avocado is a healthy fat.”
She looked at me, trying to understand the point I was making, and nodded. “Yep, you’re Mr. Healthy. Who walks up steps when there is a perfectly good elevator available?”
“You should be grateful I did,” I pointed out. “Now you have a lunch date with the receptionist.”
Flowers put down her fork. “You think she’ll like me?”
“Why wouldn’t she?”
“I’m a little weird.”
She was. A little bit. Her approach to things was different. I didn’t know many women her age, but the ones I had known over the years, employees I’d hired directly out of college, didn’t have Flowers’ depth. Which I’m sure had everything to do with too many difficult life experiences too early.
They also didn’t have her…innocence.
She was becoming a fully formed human in front of my eyes.
Buying all sorts of food just to figure out what she liked, only to land on hot dogs?
Yes, she was a little weird, but she was inherently likeable.
I knew this because all my potential clients who met with us, were immediately put at ease by her. Not only was she very observant with people, she was also a relaxing presence. People weren’t as nervous around me when she was in the room.
“You’ll be fine,” I told her. “Just be yourself.”
“Right. Because you like me. And if you like me, anyone can like me.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, not sure if I was offended or not.
“Just that you barely tolerate people in general. If I managed to worm my way into your good graces, then I must be likeable in general.”
It was true. I didn’t like many people. I’d always been that way. Even as a kid. I spent a great deal of time in my head, and people tended to cost me focus, which was always annoying.
I didn’t have any friends in high school. College was better, I had some acquaintances from classes.
Then of course, there was Allison.
Once I had her, it never felt like I needed anyone else. She was enough, more than enough, for me. Because she knew me better than anyone. Or at least, understood me better.
