ONE
RILEY
“You have something in your…” I point to my mouth.
Tyler swipes his tongue over his teeth and takes a swig of his water. “Did I get it?”
“You’re in the clear.”
This is our fifth, and most likely final, date.
Tyler is a nice guy, but there’s no chemistry between us. At least, to me, there isn’t. I see him more as a friend, which is better than nothing coming out of this.
The way Tyler and I met was like something out of a romance book: a meet-cute. We were at the same grocery store, minding our business, yet somehow, we kept knocking our carts into each other when we turned corners or left an aisle.
He finally introduced himself after the fifth crash.
We made some jokes, there was a little flirting happening, and I was the one who asked him out. When I stepped into the New Year, I told myself I’d tryto meet new people. I’m approaching my thirties, after all, and I haven’t been in one successful relationship.
I enjoy the thought of falling in love, building a family,and living happily ever after, but growing up in a toxic household kind of kills that dream.
I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen Mom and Dad hug or kiss. They always sat at opposite ends of the couch and bicker with each other. As a little girl, I thoughtthatwas the norm for all households. Nagging, fighting, telling each other to shut up.
Then I’d see other families—like my best friend, Ellie’s, parents—and the love bubble they’re always in. Seeing their parents that way made me jealous. I wished mine were like that.
I’m still not sure how to show love and affection. I don’t know how to take a compliment, thanks to Mom nitpicking everything I do and never seeming satisfied with my life choices.
It doesn’t help knowing that she wishes she had sons instead of daughters. That one hurt.
“Would you like to see the dessert menu?” Our server comes by to clear our empty plates, and as much as I want this dinner to end, I could go for a cookie skillet.
“I think we’ll pass on dessert and just get the check.” Tyler’s lips tug into a grin, and he looks at me after the server places the check on the table.
“Wow. You never skip dessert.” I play with the stem of my wine glass and tuck my chin into my other hand.
Tyler brushes back his wavy, dusty brown hair and clears his throat. The gentle smile on his face doesn’t fade, showing off creases at the corners of his dark eyes. “Listen, Riley.”
Uh-oh
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you.” He clasps his hands together, placing them on the glossy wooden table. “And I wish we could continue to see each other, but I don’t think it’s going to work.”
Disappointment washes over me, and I start to come up with things that I’ve done wrong. What could I have done that’s making him not want to continue dating? I shouldn’t be upset when I’m the one who was going to end things to begin with.
“Oh.” I sit up straight and uncomfortably wiggle in my chair. “Did I do anything wrong?”
He lets out a small laugh and shakes his head. “You did absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, I think you’re amazing.”
“But?”
“But I can tell that you’re not into this, and that’s okay.” He reassures me.
Like I said, Tyler is averynice guy. Maybe a little too nice for someone like me. Someone who has so much baggage and doesn’t know how to reciprocate feelings and emotions.
Heat flushes my face. A prickling sensation coats my eyes, and my throat feels tight. If I say something, it’ll break everything I’m trying to push down.
Tyler takes my hand in his and leans over the table. “Hey. You did absolutely nothing wrong.”
I nod aggressively as a stray tear threatens to escape. I brush it off quickly, hoping he doesn’t notice, and put on a brave smile. “I know. I just feel bad for wasting your time.”
