Page 13 of Oh Boy!
“We’re friends. There’s nothing going on, Rupert. You of all people should know that.”
“Relax, I’m just teasing.”
I nod frantically. Who cares if he can’t see me? “I had a great time…” I pause for effect, my eyes on the road. “Apart from the moment when he had the audacity to say that archaeology was a strange choice for a woman.” A bark of laughter tells me that we’re on the same page. The one thing that I keep to myself is that my new friend stared at my hand that I’d idly placed over my heart following his statement; apparently, it directed his friendly attention to my breasts. “Anyway, I countered his shamefully sexist views. As you can imagine, I pointed out Margaret Murray’s influence on my career. He shouldn’t have gotten me started on her.” Worked up, the words rush out of my mouth. “According to him, I should have followed my parents’ dreams of taking over the organic maple syrup company. He’s just a selfish bastard who’s more interested in maple syrup than ancient artifacts! He made me promise to bring him a bottle next time I visit them…” I stop and take a sip of my iced tea before carrying on. “Sorry, I’m babbling. What I meant to say was that as odd as it seems, he’s well-versed in Murray’s theories. He brought up her fascination with witches and her influence on Lovecraft and Huxley’s novels. He claims that legends and folklore play a huge role in his own art.”
“Talking about his art, he has a show in Manhattan next month.” The fact that Nathan mentioned it to Rupert before me twists my insides for some reason. Rupert’s schedule is pretty full, so I hope that we’ll be able to make it. “Getting out of your comfort zone mustn’t have been easy. I’m really proud of you, girl!”
“I appreciate the support. But there’s more…” No real scoop since I said that nothing happened between the playboy and me; that’s not fair. So far, Nathan might appear to be a conceited playboy, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Granted, he probably hooked up with Courtney and definitely lacks modesty. However, he’s confident in his talents, self-worth, and looks. To me, there’s nothing wrong with that. I wish that I had the same courage. That’s never been the case. My fears rule my life. I doubt that I should thank my former therapist for the ability to acknowledge that, considering that he’s a fraud. What emanates from Nathan implies that he’s anything but. I’ve learned the hard way that appearances can be deceiving, but so far, I’m glad that I can call Nathan Price a friend. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to meet someone so… otherworldly.
“Do tell…” tears me out of my day dreaming.
“He didn’t comment or inquire about my knee-jerk reaction at his brother’s house, which was a relief.” I sigh, happy, then annoyed.
Damn, I acted like a mad woman when Meghan was only running after her cat… Why did she have to utter words from my buried past?
“I bet… but there’s more, isn’t there?”
“Yup! I let him persuade me to go hiking. That’s how I spent most of my afternoon, Rupert. Hiking Bear Creek Trail! I’m exhausted. I’m happy. I’m proud.”
“Good girl.”
