Page 28 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

“I’ve never even committed to a pet. What about you?”

I shake my head. “No. Maybe I’m still too young, but I’ve never seen myself in that role. It’s a lot of pressure.”

“True.”

“I guess marriage has never been a thing for you either?”

“Nah.” Ridley shakes his head, glancing over at me. “I think it would be cool to stick with someone for a while, but with my record I’ve never seen it going to an altar.”

“Believe it or not, same. Even though I’m a serial relationshipist, I’ve never pictured myself as someone’s husband.”

“Serial relationshipist?” Ridley snorts a laugh. “That’s hilarious.”

Grinning, I slide my hands into my front pockets. “Guess I could’ve said monogamist.”

“Your word was funnier.”

“Thanks.”

We walk on in silence for a bit before Ridley’s next comment surprises me.

“Despite it all, I’m a total optimist when it comes to this stuff. I’ve never been in love, and I don’t expect to be, but man,watching Indy, Kit, and now Lowen fall has made me reflect on my attitudes towards it all.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought we’d be six single guys forever. I never saw Kit and Indy settling down, and I thought it would take a miracle to get Lowen back in the game. I figured Bane will just pine after Jerryn for eternity, and me?” He shrugs, but doesn’t elaborate.

“You?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m still deciding how I see myself, but I’ve never had a long-lasting thing, so I figure I just don’t have what it takes.”

His words have a tinge of sadness to them. “Does seeing some of your friends in happy relationships make you want that now?”

“I don’t know, but it’s made me realize that I believe in love. Maybe it’s not for me, but it does exist.”

“Healthy love exists. Not just fucked up, toxic shit.”

Ridley glances over at me and nods. “Right. There’s hope if that’s something you still want in the future. I mean, you should. You’re young.”

“You’re young too, Rid.”

“Young at heart.” He winks.

We finish our walk while I reflect on the conversation. Ridley might be a deeper guy than I knew. Finding out he used to be a chemical engineer was surprising. Not that I didn’t think he was smart, but he just didn’t seem like the type to pursue a conservative career. He seems to float through life, but maybe there’s some weight behind him after all.

When we enter the house, it’s surprisingly quiet.

“I guess everyone went straight up to bed,” Ridley says, lingering in the hall.

“It is pretty late.”

“Are you tired?”

I shake my head. “Not yet. You?”

“Nope. I was thinking a hot shower might be nice.”

“And then?”

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