Page 57 of If My Wishes Came True
“I know,” I reply, wondering how it was only yesterday morning that I told him about Esther’s suggestion to take things slowly for a month. “Has it been thirty days yet?” I half-joke, every cell in my body yearning to be closer to this man.
He laughs. “I don’t even think it’s been thirty hours.”
I let out a playful groan. Every minute I spend with Charlie only confirms how right this feels. Do I really need to wait a whole month to know that he isn’t just in this to sleep with me? I think it’s pretty clear his motives are more sincere than that.
“My cousin was right earlier, Jenna. I am smitten with you,” he says—as though reading my mind, once again.Is that a soulmate thing?the hopeless romantic inside me asks.
“Likewise,” I reply, squeezing his hand.
“I have a few hours of work to get done this afternoon, so want to come by around seven for dinner?”
“That’s perfect,” I say. “As long as you let me bring dessert—for your sweet tooth.”
“Deal,” he says with a glimmer in his eyes.
“Speaking of your job,” I continue, “I haven’t heard any thunderstrikes coming from your phone lately. Is your dad getting better with boundaries?”
Charlie chuckles. “I guess you could say that. My mom convinced him to go on a trip for their fortieth wedding anniversary. And because she knows my dad so well, she booked a spa hotel in France that locks up your electronic devices while you’re there.”
“Sounds like heaven.”
“Not if you’re my dad,” he replies with a wry smile. “My guess is, he’s spent the better part of the week trying to sweettalk the staff into getting him his phone back. Or paying them off, more likely.”
As I’m laughing, an adorable little girl in pigtails walks up to us from a neighboring table. She can’t be more than three or four years old. “Hi,” she says. “I’m Lucy.”
“Hey, Lucy! I’m Jenna, and this is Charlie,” I say, smiling.
“Come on back, Luce,” her mom calls out from their table. “I’m sorry, she’s in a very chatty phase right now,” she explains with a sheepish grin.
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all,” I tell Lucy’s mom. “She’s adorable.”
“Alright, time to go, honey bunny.” Lucy’s mom stands from her chair, gathers their things, then takes her daughter’s hand.
“But I don’t wanna go!” She stomps her feet.
Her mom heaves a deep sigh.
“We’re about to leave, too,” I tell Lucy. “Can I get a high-five before you go?”
Lucy beams and slaps my palm.
“Oh, you’re so strong!” I tell her, pretending my hand hurts.
Lucy giggles. “Bye bye!” she calls out as she lets her mom lead her to the patio door.
When I turn back to face Charlie, he’s smiling ear to ear. “You were so sweet with her.”
The late summer sky is still perfectly blue and clear, but it’s like a storm cloud rolls in over my head. My heart sinks, and my grin fades.
How could I forget? I haven’t told Charlie that I don’t want kids.
Thisis where it ends. This is where the other shoe drops.
This is where my wishes don’t come true.
“Jenna…are you okay?” he asks, concern written on every crinkle of his forehead.
But there’s no point in delaying the inevitable. I am who I am—and if Charlie and I aren’t compatible, it’s better to know now than later.
