And honestly?
It gives me hope that someday I can have my own.
That strange complications in that department can be character builders and not just relationship enders.
Rather than regurgitate any of that unnecessary info – and it is so unnecessary to a total stranger – I simply angle my baby blue “Don’t Phase Me, Bro” t-shirt covered torso to better face her and casually shrug. “Not reallywaitingfor someone so much as just here in case they decide to show up and join me.”
“Is the someone who might show up to join you your wife?”
“Fuck no.”
“Girlfriend?”
“Definitely no.”
“Best friend you secretly wish were your girlfriend or wife?”
“Contrary to some rumors out there…still a cosmozoan sized no.”
The long, tone legged, tattered jean shorts wearing female leans in a bit closer prior to inquiring, “Boyfriend?”
“No,” is quickly followed by me gesturing to my attire, remembering the last time a stranger poorly guessed my relationship preferences, “but is it the color?”
“The shoes.”
My hazel stare instantly slips down to examine my denim blue boat footwear. “The style?”
“The tassels.”
Alright.
Maybe Bryn was right.
Maybe those really do only belong on expensive curtains and stripper titties.
“So, what I’m hearing…” the straw fedora sporting bombshell slowly begins, pulling my gaze back up to hers, “is that you’re a free agent?”
“Correct,” escapes in an airy chortle.
“Unrestricted or restricted?” Her teeth steal an anxious bite out of her glossed, wide bottom lip. “Like you can feel free to explore the market to your career’s content or like there’s someone waiting by the phone to match an offer?”
There’s no stopping surprise and amusement from growing on my tan face. “Sports metaphors?” Mirth effortlessly deepens. “At aStar Trekconvention?”
My nameless mystery lady sassily shoves a hand on her hip. “I’m complicated.”
“You’re perfect,” automatically leaves me as though someone else is now piloting my mouth.
Her long nose bashfully crinkles during her objection, “Far from it,Imzadi.”
It’s impossible not to lightly groan in gratitude at the overly geeky, obscure nickname that means beloved.
That label is simultaneously the sexiest and sweetest shit anyone’s ever said to me.
Also?
The most impressive.
Non-canon is so easy for too many people to overlook.
