Page 60 of Just Another Meet Cute
“Because I’m needed at home. Remember?”
Despite the fact that I had just decided that I liked Ryan more because he was dependable and stayed, I couldn’t help leaning up to give him a kiss on the cheek. His cheek was smooth and cool against my lips. “I think you should travel if you want to. Maybe you could just teach Kathy how to mow the lawn.”
He bit his lower lip. “You really think so?”
“Yeah, she’s a smart girl. She could handle it. Just make it a competition, and she’ll learn in five minutes.”
His lips curled into a half smile. “I meant, do you really think I should try to travel? A friend of mine has been bugging me to go on a trip with him before school starts. Pretty much texting me about it all the time.”
My mind drifted back to our movie date. “Is that who you were texting with during the movie?”
“Yeah, and every day since. Super annoying.” He tried to laugh it off, but I could catch a slight wistful tone in his voice.
“Where is he planning to go?”
“He doesn’t really have a plan. He just kind of roams. Makes stops when he wants to, or continues driving until he sees something cool.”
That sounded completely awful to me. Then again, I was also the type of person who hated making pit stops, especially for no reason. I would rather not drink water during a long car ride than take a pee break. My only exception was Buc-ee’s, and that was because of my obsession with their mini cookies. Crispy bits of butter in a tub.
My hand patted his shoulder. “I think it’s okay to think about yourself sometimes and do what you want to do. As long as you always come back.”
Grasping my hand, he kissed my fingers. “Thanks. I’m still debating, but it’s nice to know I have someone in my corner.”
“Anytime.”
We sat there quietly for a few minutes, lost in our own thoughts. But it was a comfortable sort of silence. Not nervous and tension filled like in the car with Ian. There were definitely more layers to Ryan than I expected. He wasn’t just a nice guy. I mean, he still was, but he was alsomore.
And the more I found out about him, the more I wanted to know.
He reached out and brushed my bangs out of my eyes and smiled. “What else should we talk about?”
“Everything.”
Even though I swore to myself that I would focus on Ryan from now on, that he was the right—the better—choice for me, I didn’t expect Ian’s text the next day. Nor could I stop myself from responding.
IAN:You know, I thought that the favorite hobbies question would be an easy one, but it’s pretty hard.
NINA:See? I told you. It’s super difficult to find an answer that isn’t totally boring or lame.
IAN:Like your answers?
NINA:
IAN:I’m just kidding. Your answers were fine. A tiny bit boring, but perfectly acceptable.
NINA:Oh yeah? And what would your intriguing and insightful answer be? Obviously not playing the piano.
IAN:That’s a low blow.
NINA:…
NINA:I’m waiting for your answer.
IAN:Give me a second …
NINA:Time’s up. You’re as boring as me.
IAN:Okay, so I like to hike. Nothing crazy. But it’s nice to be alone outside. Especially since our family is so huge. I love them, but sometimes it’s too much.
