“Co-workers frequently post my interactions with wildlife or other encounters during excursions.”
“You deserve the attention.But does it make you nervous?”
“I enjoy the positivity.It’s a welcome change from how I’m usually perceived.”
Henry’s brow pinches, but he smiles when the oysters arrive, as if glad for the distraction.
When we’re alone again, he leans closer.“I wish things had been better for you in school.I hurt you more than I helped you then.I wish I could change that.”
“I wish I could’ve changed me.If I’d been more like everyone else, it would’ve been easier for us to be together.”
“No, Venus,” he says sternly.“If you’d been like everyone else, you wouldn’t have beenmyVenus.”
A light gasp falls from my lips at the idea of beinghis.Him, being mine.And the unique symbiosis we could have by merging our lives together.“YourVenus.I like that.”
“Aren’t IyourHenry?”he challenges.
“Always.Even if…” I can’t finish the sentence.
“I know.”He reaches up, trailing his fingers along my cheek.“I wish I’d climbed out of the window with you during Mr.Henderson’s English class.That guy was a fucking tool.”
Laughter spurts from me, pushing back my sudden sadness.“Do you really?”
“Yes, and I wish we’d gone to the movies, not just watched them in my basement.”
I smirk.“I wish I’d worn more dresses for you.”
“I wish I’d stood up for you,” he says more sternly.
“I wish I’d talked to you more about things that matter,” I admit.
“I wish I’d listened, even when you weren’t saying anything.”
A smile crosses my lips, considering our many silences, not just moments but days, weeks, months, when we barely spoke—when I pushed him away, and he let me, while I wrongly decided that he was better off.Even in our absences, a quiet understanding existed between us, knowing we’d reconnect.Like the Venus flytraps, we’d enter dormant seasons before springing to life again.
Temporary.It’s only temporary.
“Henry, this is the nicest date I’ve been on,” I announce shakily, trying to stay in the present rather than let my thoughts carry me away from him and the beautiful night he’s planned for us.
Henry looks curious.“Have you had many dates?”
Ditching the symposium with Dr.Rob McCullum comes to mind.It had the hallmarks of a good date—food, drinks, and engaging conversation with someone I would’ve enjoyed seeing again—but it probably doesn’t count since it wasn’t planned.
“Encounters, yes.Dates, no.I’ve been asked out often.The times I’ve said yes have taught me that potential partners like the look of me, but don’t likeme.Not that I put much effort into being liked.My goals were short-term only.Sex, Henry.Relationships don’t work well with my career… not healthy ones, at least.”
Henry winces at my words, and I fear I’ve misspoke.
He recovers with a sigh.“I doubt they disliked you, Venus.More likely, they were intimidated.”
“Why?”
He gives me a funny look.“You’re a beautiful genius who climbs mountains, goes spelunking, wrangles snakes, and lives out of a tent most of the time.Most egos probably couldn’t take it.”
“What about your ego?”
He shrugs and flashes his easy grin.“You inspire me.Always have.Besides, I know youandlike you.It’s too late for my ego to come into it.”
Our meals arrive, and our server refreshes our drinks, and once we’re alone again, I say, “Henry, are all topics open for discussion on this date?I don’t want to broach an inappropriate subject for a prom redo.”
