Page 66 of Hooking Up
"It's something." She leans in. "Something you don't want to tell me."
"It's nothing."
She cocks her head to one side, deciding if she believes me. "I know you're easy, breezy surfer boy, but you must have something."
"No. My life is exactly how I want it." Except for shit with my sister, it's perfect.
"Exactly? You wouldn't change a single thing?"
"I'd take more money, yeah. But otherwise, no. I'm happy." In theory. In reality, everything feels stale. I need different. Fresh. Her.
"Wow."
"Wow?"
She leans back. Presses her lips together. "That's… impressive. Or bullshit. I'm not sure."
My shrug doesn't come as easily as it usually does.
The server interrupts my train of thought.
She drops off our dishes. Salmon and sautéed vegetables for Iris. Steak and greens for me.
"See." She picks up her fork. "Eating right."
"I have enough game to know not to comment on that."
"You sure?" She stabs a square of yellow squash and brings it to her lips.
"I am." I pick up my fork and knife. "Anything else on the list?"
"Reading."
"When did you start this?"
"Officially?"
"Yeah." I bring a slice of steak to my mouth. It's good. Rare. Salty. But it doesn't satisfy. I don't want food. I want to have her again.
"I guess I haven't. Not officially."
"Are you going to?"
"I don't know. That's even more cheesy."
"It suits you."
"Hey." She laughs as she flips me off.
My lips curl into a smile. She has a cute laugh. And a cutedon't fuck with melook. "What else?"
"Journaling. Trying new things. Why are you so interested?"
"I've never met someone so methodical about getting over a breakup."
Her lips press together. Her eyes turn down. "How else are you supposed to get over anything?"
"Feel it out."
