Page 7 of A Whole New Play

And based on the pitying look CJ levels on me, he notices. “Why do you say that?”

I sigh. “Let’s just say I don’t have a good work-life balance.”

“Why not?”

That’s the million-dollar question… and one I’ve avoided answering for almost a year.

I should just change the subject. I don’t need to unload my troubles on a stranger, especially not one who, if I play my cards right, I might invite back to my room for the night. I’m not usually one for one-night stands, mostly because I don’t have the time or energy to meet someone, but CJ is temptation come to life. Especially when he looks at me like he honestly cares what I’m about to say.

I take a deep breath and search for the words that will make me sound the least pathetic. “Entry-level accounting jobs aren’t always intense, but when you work at one of the Big Four, you bust your ass in the early years to prove yourself and try to move up the corporate ladder. Which wouldn’t be a problem if I actually wanted to be an accountant…” The last sentence spills from my lips unintentionally.

My eyes widen in surprise.

That’s the first time I’ve admitted my dislike for my job out loud. Not even Megan, who is my best friend in the entire world, knows how much I despise my job.

CJ tilts his head. “You don’t want to be an accountant?”

“No, I don’t.”

God, that feels great to say…

“I don’t get it.” He frowns. “Then why are you an accountant?”

Why indeed…

“It’s a long story,” I sigh. “But the gist of it is, accounting was the only major my mom approved of when I was applying for colleges.”

Our delicious desserts are momentarily forgotten.

CJ crosses his arms and observes me with a deepening frown as he tries to understand the snippets I’ve given him about my complicated background. “So you majored in something you didn’t want to because your mom said so?”

“Yup.”

“To earn your mom’s approval?”

Who needs therapy when you can just pour your heart out to a hot guy while on vacation? Paying to stay at an all-inclusive resort might actually be cheaper than years of counseling.

“Basically,” I admit with a tiny shrug

“Wow.” CJ leans back in his chair, looking at me with compassion, but thankfully no pity. “That’s intense.”

“I know.”

“What about your dad? I mean…” He hesitates, looking alarmed. “If he’s involved in your life… shit. Never mind. Forget I brought it up.”

“No, don’t worry.” I smile reassuringly. “My dad is involved in my life. He’s the one who raised me after my parents got divorced.”

“Oh.” His brows lift in surprise. That’s how most people react when they hear about my upbringing. It’s not the norm for a dad to step up and become the custodial parent after a divorce. Most moms want to be the primary caregiver in their child’s life. But my mom wasn’t built that way. “I’m… sorry?”

“Don’t be,” I reply. “Dad was great. He is great. I’m glad he raised me.” If he didn’t, there’s no telling what other screwed-up thoughts and choices I would’ve made to please my mom.

“I’m glad to hear it,” CJ says sincerely.

I offer a weak smile and attempt to drop the subject by returning my attention to my melting gelato. The flavor is less enjoyable now that I feel like I’ve ruined the lighthearted evening with my baggage.

CJ finishes his cake in an impressive five bites. Then, he sits back and sips his red wine. I look up when I sense him watching me over the rim of his glass.

I tilt my head to the side. “What?”

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