Page 140 of Love Unavoidable
“Well . . .” She looks at me, brows raised. I look back at her, my face impassive.
“Don’t play dumb,” she says. “I’m a good listener. Get it off your chest so we can both enjoy the rest of the flight.”
I shrug.What have I got to lose?Which, ironically, seems to be the story of my life lately.
I tell her the story of meeting Sadie and the events following up until now, excluding any parts related to sex.
“So, what? Now you think you can just go tell her how you feel, and she will fall at your feet?” Her gaze accusing.
“No.”
Her brow furrows. I change my answer.
“Yes.”
She nods slowly, her lips scrunched to one side, as she looks me over and strokes her chin with one hand.
“You have a better idea?” I ask.
“What’s wrong with just giving her some space? Girls like space, you know.”
“Girls like space?” I don’t know why I’m repeating her words as a question, it seems unreal that she is saying them.
What does a twelve-year-old know about needing space?
“Yes,” she says as though it’s a moral absolute. “All the signs are there. She already told you it wasn’t a good idea to keep calling and texting her. And she doesn’t respond when you do. Listen to what she’s saying. I go over this with my boyfriend all the time.”
“Boyfriend? What twelve-year-old has a boyfriend?”
“What thirty-five-year-old chases after a girl who won’t return his calls?”
“Touché.”
“It’s the definition of stalking.”
“I’m not stalking Sadie. I’m…”
Well, shit, what am I doing?
“What’s your name, anyway?” I ask.
“Rachel. I’d tell you my last name, but I don’t need you stalking me too.”
“Yeah, funny. I’m Ethan. I’d shake your hand, but.” I point to my cast.
“Ugh, no.” She shudders. “Germs.” She holds up a fist.
“Right.” I nod and bump her fist with mine, then take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “So, I should give her space, huh?” I say it more to myself than as a question to Rachel. She answers anyway.
“No, you should have given her space, but you didn’t. You chose instead to stalk her. So, whatever happens now is all on you.”
“It’s a grand gesture, kid. You know, like in the movies when the guy goes after the girl and declares his feelings. Then she tells him the same and they kiss, and it ends, and everyone is happy.”
Rachel narrows her eyes at me. “This is 2019, Ethan. Women are too busy dealing with a renewed political patriarchy, rampant workplace inequality, and overcoming gender stereotypes in the media to bother with such trivialities.”
“Uh . . .” I don’t know what to say in response.
“I’m kidding,” she giggles, backhanding me in the stomach. “But only sort of. Oh, you should have seen your face.” She points. “That was great.” She laughs some more before settling. “Oh. Wow. Okay, in all seriousness, women have to worry about it all. But that’s not really the point here.”
“What is the point?”
“That your plan probably won’t work.”
I think on that. She’s right. The kid is right. This is a huge mistake. Sadie doesn’t want me. She’s made that clear. What am I thinking flying to Texas without even talking to her first? Really talking. I can’t just show up on her doorstep unannounced. And then what, think she will come back to San Soloman with me?
I turn to face Rachel. She’s already put her headphones back on and resumed her movie. Because I was going to what, ask a twelve-year-old for more advice?
Pathetic.
I switch the seat back screen over to the virtual map with the plane. One more hour and I can get off this plane, book a return trip, and get on with my life. I buzz for the flight attendant so I can ask what the easiest way is to get a return ticket. Best to just get it all over with now.
