Page 23 of Dean

“I get it, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I’ve never had anyone say that to me—not friends, or roommates, or my parents—and it’s making me kind of emotional. Or maybe it’s the mirin or the champagne I’m consuming in mass quantities. Whatever it is, I’m going to be a blubbering mess pretty soon.

“You okay?”

He cocks his head at me, and I sniffle. “Yes. I’m fine.”

A hiccup leaves me and I blush, taking another swig of the champagne.

“You look like you’re crying.”

“I’m not. I’m just…I got rice stuck in my throat. My eyes are watering.”

Dean looks concerned but lets it go. Thank god. I’m not in the mood to dissect this. My past is…well, it’s not as bad as some, but it was also not healthy and very toxic. There’s a reason I’ve gone no-contact with my family.

Except for my sister.

The only person I have in this world at the moment is Dean.

I really need to make some new friends, to branch out and become more of my own person. To be who I was meant to be, who I want to see when I look in the mirror.

But I’m not there yet.

Not quite ready to take my true self out into the world.

“All right, well, after dinner, want to sit out back? I can start a fire and we can look at the stars.”

“Stop being such a romantic,” I murmur and then nod my head. “First champagne and now a fire. That sounds lovely.”

We glance at one another and I can’t help but lean forward. “Dean, honestly, tell me the truth. Why haven’t you remarried?”

He pauses, his fork right next to his mouth.

“Just never found anyone.”

“I mean, I’ve seen you dating.” I have. A few women used to come by the shop. All dolled up and gorgeous.

I know I’m overstepping but I can’t help it. I’m curious.

“I’ve dated.” He takes a bite and shrugs. “Never found anyoneworth sticking around for. It’s hard when Elaine is the one I’m comparing them to.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

Our eyes clash and he swallows. “What about you?”

“I’m twenty-two. I have time.”

For you, Dean. I have time to wait for you. Even if I fall short of all your lofty expectations.

I don’t say that. Obviously. That would be insane. I bury that deep inside.

I say nothing.

“No one serious?”

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