Page 141 of Holding On

"If he wants to be with you, he'll make time."

"Maybe, but it'll never work. We're both heading in different directions."

"You'll make it work if it's what you both want."

"I'm not sure I want it."

"Why? Because you're afraid of getting hurt?"

I sit back in my chair. "How did this turn into a conversation about me? It's supposed to be about you." I check the clock. "It's late. I need to get to bed."

"Then go to bed." He smiles. "We'll talk about how much you love Ethan some other time."

I laugh. "I don't love him."

"You think you'll get married here or somewhere else? This isn't really our home so—"

"Okay, stop," I say, still laughing. "I am not in love with Ethan and I am definitely not marrying him."

"Stranger things have happened," he says as I walk away.

Me marry Ethan? Why would Mike even say that? He knows I have no interest in getting married. Not after seeing what happened to my dad. He devoted his life to my mom and then she just took off. Just like Tricia. At least Tricia took off before the marriage.

After witnessing those relationship disasters, I've decided I'm fine being single my whole life. Or maybe I'll live with someone. But marriage? No way.

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