Page 43 of Gracie Harris Is Under Construction

“Josh, I don’t know how to tell you this, but at thirty-seven, you’re not really midthirties anymore. The technical term islatethirties.”

He tosses a tortilla chip at me and acknowledges he’s older than he likes to admit.

“Not all of us can knock it out of the park like you apparently are.”

This makes me throw my head back and laugh. Knocking it out of the park? Are you kidding? I’ve been writing about my dating life for the book and it’s the comedic relief I’ll be asked about in every interview once it gets published to balance out the serious questions.

“Josh. JOSH. The last time I dated successfully was in the early 2000s.Friendswas still on the air—we all actually watched television, not our laptops. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were dating for the first time. I had an iPod with a spinny wheel. That was the last time I was on the dating scene. What do you think it’s been like for me?”

“If you’re going to try to convince me that men haven’t been lining up at your door, I will simply refuse to believe anything you say.”

This makes me blush. And a little angry because, yes, I’ve beenout with some eligible men, but it’s been nothing serious and I’ve been a mess through most of it.

“I’m desperately out of practice, and the men are nothing to write home about. My first date talked for thirty minutes straight without asking a single thing about me, and when he finally did, I cried because my answer reminded me of Ben. A few weeks later, I went out with a guy—a whole grown-ass man—who chewed with his mouth open throughout the entire dinner. I literally left the restaurant and cursed Ben for abandoning me to the weirdos.”

“Didn’t you ever learn that if you don’t have something nice to say, you shouldn’t say it at all?”

“Ha! Okay. I did realize, however, that dates would make me better at writing.”

“How on earth do bad dates help your writing?”

“I like observing people. It’s amazing how much most people will tell you over a date. First dates are nothing if not entertaining. I’ve learned a lot.”

“Have you really not been on any second dates?”

“Not one.”

As he finishes up plating the food, I set out napkins and silverware on the kitchen island. The dining table is only a room away, but the island is where we’ve had all of our good conversations, and I don’t want to mess up the energy. I make another drink for me; Josh hasn’t touched his yet.

He sets the plates down and we both pull ourselves onto a stool. Instinctively, we turn our bodies to face each other.

“When’s the last time you were on a date?” I ask, realizing that most outside observers of this scene could be confused into thinking this was one.

“A year ago. And it was a disaster.”

I decide not to pry. Josh is funny, smart, handsome, and runs a successful business. He’s also very sensitive. If he’s had bad luck dating lately, I don’t want to make him feel even worse about it. So, I take a bite of food, savor the delicious flavors for a moment, and then decide to switch things up.

“Changing topics. This question starts with a compliment, so don’t make me regret it,” I say as a warning. “You and James are two of the nicest people on the planet. I have to know—what are your parents like?”

“The literal best. James and I both grew up thinking we hung the moon, thanks to their support.”

“I need more than this, Josh. I’m looking for tips on how to raise good people.”

“I don’t know if I have tips. I can tell you that we grew up knowing that we were loved completely for who we were. My parents got married right out of high school and wanted to start a family but struggled. They gave up after a few years. James was a surprise when my mom was thirty-four. I came along five years later. They were always just so happy to have us around. We never felt like a bother. There was just a lot of love.”

“That’s amazing. Did they ever get an explanation for the issue?”

“I’m sure my mom told me at some point, but what I do remember is that it wasn’t just one of them. They both had medical things that made kids harder to have. My mom is religious, and she just took it as a sign that God knew the right timing.”

“Do they still live nearby?”

“Asheville, so only about a half hour away. James and I bought them a little bungalow there a few years ago. It’s all one floor andthey can walk to tons of stuff. There are good medical facilities nearby. It’s a good spot for their retirement. Their social life is way better than mine.”

“Present company excluded.”

“Obviously.”

We jabber on for twenty more minutes, talking about our families and friends, taking turns to pause while the other speaks, giving us time to eat, listen, and, in my case, sip my drink. Before I know it, we’ve both cleared our plates and are happily dunking chips into a bowl of store-bought guacamole. We’re both double dipping, so we’re officially friends. With my second margarita almost gone, I’m rounding the corner to tipsy. Time for another tough question after our light-hearted banter.

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