Page 39 of Keep My Heart
‘But you live on separate coasts.’
‘He’s going to tutor me by phone or online. And tomorrow we’re going out on another date.’
She sets her coffee down. ‘There’s something not right about this.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I like Nick and don’t think he’d do anything deceitful, but being your dating tutor? It sounds like he just made that up so he could try to get you for himself.’
‘That’s not it at all. He’s just being a friend.’
‘Maybe, but it doesn’t make sense for a guy who works like 100 hours a week to give up his time to help you date. Why wouldn’t he use that time to find a date for himself?’
‘Maybe he doesn’t want to date right now. Why are you acting like you don’t want me seeing him? Just last night you were telling me to sleep with him.’
‘But then I thought about it after you left and decided it wasn’t a good idea. You don’t even know Nick anymore. The small-town boy we grew up with is now a big city lawyer. Are you sure you can trust him?’
‘Diane, why are you saying this stuff about Nick? He was the nicest guy in our high school. He never got into fights. He always volunteered for stuff. He helped his dad with the orchard.’
‘Thatwas 15 years ago. A person can change a lot in 15 years. Just look at Chris. You thought he was perfect back in high school and look how he turned out.’
‘I didn’t think he was perfect. I just couldn’t see his flaws because I wanted so badly for things to work out with us. He promised me this great life in the big city, someplace completely different than Haydon Falls, and I believed him.’
‘This town isn’t that bad. I actually like it.’
‘I like it too, but back then, Chris convinced me this place was boring and we’d be happier in a big city where there’s more to do. But then we got there and spent all our time at home.’
‘Chris should’ve taken you out,’ Diane says, sounding disgusted with him. ‘I can’t believe how much he changed after high school. He was always the life of the party and then he got married and didn’t want to leave the couch.’
‘Except when he went on hisbusiness trips,’ I say, rolling my eyes. ‘Did he really think I wouldn’t notice all the debt he was racking up with his scams?’
‘Enough about him. We aren’t supposed to be talking about Chris.’ Diane turns to face me. ‘Going back to Nick, what exactly happened last night?’
‘I’m not sure I should tell you now that you think he’s doing this for the wrong reasons.’
‘He kissed you.’
I look away, trying to hold back the smile that desperately wants to appear.
‘He did, didn’t he? He kissed you.’
‘It was a date,’ I say, looking back at her. ‘It’s normal to kiss a girl on a date.’
‘Not a fake one,’ she scoffs. ‘I can’t believe he’d do this.’
‘Do what? Kiss me? Why is that wrong?’
‘Because he’s pretending it’s fake when it’s not. He needs to be honest and stop making up excuses to go out with you.’
‘It’s not an excuse. Diane, I’m telling you, Nick is just being nice. He really wants to help me.’
She stares at me. ‘The guy who had a huge crush on you in high school is just helping you learn to date? Do you really believe that?’
‘He did not have a crush on me. He never even made a move on me.’
‘Because he didn’t think he had a chance with you. But now he’s rich, successful, and a lot better looking. Maybe he thinks now is his chance to get the girl he’s always wanted.’
I laugh. ‘That’s ridiculous.’ I swirl what’s left of my coffee around the bottom of the mug. ‘And what if it’s me that wants him?’
