Page 42 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“Right, of course. I have some work to catch up on, so I’m going to go over to my office. When you’re done with your grocery list, text it to me so I can give it to the right person.” I nod as I leave the room, kicking myself for being so awkward.
It’sbeenafewdays since that first awkward exchange, and things have settled. I walk through the front door after a long day at the office and see Hailey seated in the living room, a Constitutional Theory textbook and flash cards spread out around her.
“Hey, how’s your day been?” she asks as I walk in. This is how most of our exchanges have been: pleasant, yet rigid.
“It was fine. I had a lot to take on with some investors, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. I did have lunch with my mom. She asked about you.”
I finish setting my briefcase on the kitchen counter and getting a wine glass out of the cupboard. “How about yours? Was class okay?”
She sighs and closes the textbook she’s holding.
“Honestly? It wasn’t great. I am totally failing at studying for this exam. Like, I just can’t focus or seem to get anything right.” She falls back on the couch in a dramatic fashion, and I can’t help but smile at the sight.
I grab another wine glass and pour two glasses of the wine from the fridge—a ten-dollar Barefoot rosé. Not my first choice, but it was on Hailey’s grocery list, so it must be a favorite of hers. I take the two glasses and bring them out to the living room.
“Can I help you study? I know that I’m no law student, but even if it’s just the flash cards, it’s helpful to have someone with you sometimes,” I say as I hand her a glass.
She takes a big sip before nodding.
“You know what, yeah, that’s a good idea.” She hands me the flash cards and looks at me expectantly.
An idea forms in my head.
“Alright, let’s see.” I pick up the first of the flash cards and crinkle my forehead in confusion. “What’s absolutist theory?”
“Absolute dedication to the first amendment,” she rattles off.
I flip over the flashcard, and wrinkle my forehead further.
“Hmm.”
“What? That’s the answer,” Hailey says, giving me a dirty look.
“Well, it’s what’s on the flash card. It doesn’t really explain much, though? Like, I have more questions than answers. Why are absolutists dedicated to the first amendment so much?” I run my hand through my hair, as if I’m thinking.
“Oh, right. Well, you know how in the first amendment, it says ‘congress shall make no law?’ Absolutists take that to the extreme. They think that neither the federal nor the state government should pass any laws that could encroach upon an individual's rights. You know, like free speech, religion, all of that. Which is fine, but if you take the absolutist approach, then you ignore the other articles and the bill of rights. So, for example, something like hate speech might still be considered free speech to a first amendment absolutist. You see how that’s problematic?”
I grin at her, and realization crosses her face. She grins back.
“Maybe you just need to change your study method. Instead of flashcards, just work on explaining all of these terms the way you just did. That way, you’re actually learning, instead of just memorizing,” I say and take a big gulp of wine.
Hailey nods enthusiastically.
“You’re a genius! Thanks, Landon. I appreciate the help. I actually think I got this on my own, now.” I watch her for a moment before shrugging.
I suppose I could use a long, hot shower while she’s busy.
Iwakeuptomy stomach growling. I look at my phone—it’s three a.m. I must have fallen asleep during my post shower relaxation. It’s time for me to get a late-night snack.
I shuffle out of my room into the kitchen and stop in my tracks. Hailey is kneeling on a counter and rifling through the top shelf of a cabinet. I rub my eyes quickly to make sure I’m not seeing anything. Nope, she’s still there.
“What are you doing?” I ask, my voice still heavy with sleep.
“Oh my god!” Hailey shrieks. She jumps from shock and drops the box that she was holding, spilling the last of the chocolate chip cookies on the floor. “Aw man!”
She turns and slumps down onto the counter, a sulky expression on her face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” I say as I swoop down to gather the cookies.
