Page 40 of Someone You Deserve

“I don’t know what I’m saying. I just know that I’m proud of you for taking some action in your love life, but I don’t think Richard Cockwell is the man you really want.” She taps her chin with her finger. “And while we’re on the topic, I just have to point out that his name is hideous.”

I can’t help it. I let out a loud laugh that fills the room. “Grady told me I’m not allowed to marry him because of his name alone.”

“I second that.”

“So what do I do? Do I cancel the date?”

Willow ponders her response. “No, I say you go. See if there’s something there, and like you said, at least get a free meal and evening out of it. Plus, I think it will be a good way to see what you really feel for Penn.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if you’re comparing Richard to Penn all night, that’s a huge red flag.”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

Willow smirks. “Okay, if you say so.”

How does she know that I’ve already done that so many times in my mind? Penn is much taller than Richard, although Penn is so much taller than most people. Penn has dark hair, which I favor more than Richard’s dirty blonde. Penn isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty while Richard’s hands are so pristine he probably gets regular manicures.

But more than anything, the idea of Richard doesn’t get my blood pumping like thinking about Penn does.

Willow snapping her fingers in front of my face pulls me from my thoughts once more. “Hello? Astrid, are you in there?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“Daydreaming about Penn and his muscles?” she teases.

I roll my eyes and stand from the couch. “No.”

“Liar.” Willow follows me into the kitchen as Lilly comes around the corner, sliding across the tile in her socks.

“Mommy!”

“What’s up, baby girl?”

“Can I have kisses from Daddy, please?” She juts out her bottom lip, turning her nightly ask into a spectacle when she doesn’t really have to.

“Yes, baby. But only two. You’re going to go to bed soon.”

She nods and races over to the vase. “Okay.”

“The vase just guts me every time I see it,” Willow says as she enters the kitchen.

Willow and I watch as Lilly unwraps each kiss and plops them in her mouth, leaving the foil wrappers on the table. Normally I remind her to throw them in the trash, but I’m too transfixed as I watch her. “I know.”

“And who is the one who fills up the vase again?”

“Penn,” I say without pause.

“Hmmm.”

I twist to face Willow again, noticing the smirk on her lips. “What?”

“I’m just saying…a man that takes responsibility of a sentimental gesture like that?” She shakes her head slowly. “That’s the type of man you keep for yourself, Astrid.”

“Subtle.”

She chuckles. “I wasn’t trying to be, but that brings me to my next question. If you’re not willing to act on your feelings, what happens when Penn meets someone else?”

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