Page 62 of Clichés & Curses

Finaallly! How long is the drive?

Colton:

Around two hours. But we’re getting dinner on the road, so we might be arriving at the hotel around nine.

What are you up to?

Clara:

Nothing much. Just reading.

Colton:

What book are you reading?

I was still readingYou Deserve Each Otherby Sarah Hogle, mostly because I wanted to take my sweet time with it. I only had fifty pages left, and I was trying very hard to pace myself, so it wouldn’t be over too soon.

This wasn’t the first time Colton had asked me about the book I was reading. It had been a recurring question since the week after we started practicing ASL together.

I remembered how hesitant I was when he first asked me this question. It was right after we had finished our second ASL practice session. I hadn’t realized I’d taken out my copy ofIt Happened One Summeras I was rummaging through my bag for my pack of tissues, when Colton’s eyes caught the book cover.

I mean, I wasn’t ashamed of my love for romance books, but there was something unnerving about sharing something that you love with someone else who might not understand. So, when he asked about it, I just answered him with the title of the book, thinking he would end the conversation then and there.

But Colton surprised me, asking about the details of the book, and whether or not I was enjoying it, with a look of genuine interest on his face. Over time, it had just gotten easier to talk about them with him.

I never brought it up myself, but Colton never failed to ask me.

Clara:

I’m reading You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle. It’s a romance book.

Yet again.

Colton:

As it should.

Is it good? Do you like it so far?

Clara:

It’s my all-time favourite book, so it’s fair to say I like it A LOT.

Colton:

How is it your all-time favourite book when you’re still reading it?

Clara:

This is my third time reading it.

Colton:

You must REALLY like it then.

Clara:

I love it. This book has my whole entire heart and soul.

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