Page 30 of We Met Like This
“Please don’t take this the wrong way.”
“I think there’s only one way to take it, Audrey.”
“I’m not trying to offend you. I love that you have this dream guy that you’re building in your mind, pieced together from all the media you’ve consumed. It’s romantic, and sweet. And maybe you’ll find him. After you get the single fun aunt who travels and parties out of your system.”
“Parties? Audrey, having a social life doesn’t mean I party. Having actual relationships with friends is a good thing.” I almost added,How many of those doyouhave?
“Of course it is,” she said. “It’s part of my ideal life goal sheet I have people fill out.”
“I’m glad they’re somewhere in the mix of living an optimal life.”
“Balance is the key. You can’t let that one aspect outweigh other things.”
“I know I’m not exactly where I want to be in my career right now, but I do work.”
“You’re a glorified intern,” she said, softening her words with a smile.
I sucked in some air, but all the words seemed to vanishfrom my head. My eyes stung hot and I blinked until I had the tears in check.
“I shouldn’t have said that. I just get so frustrated with you sometimes. You have so much potential.” She reached across the table and took my hand in hers. “We’ll figure it out, okay?”
I nodded but refused to let my emotions take over, since she’d accused me of doing just that.
This was the moment the waitress arrived with our food. She set it in front of us with a cheery smile, asking me if I wanted another mimosa. I think I shook my head no. Then my sister and I ate and we moved on to different, less charged topics. By the time brunch was over, we were mostly back to normal.
CHAPTER 10
“My sister called me ‘directionless and unfocused’ today,” I said to Sloane from the couch when she walked in the door. I’d gotten home earlier from my brunch than she had from hers, even with the additional driving time. I’d been so distracted that I’d forgotten to stop by the bookstore.
“Sounds like Audrey. Did you tell her she was bossy and overbearing?”
“No, I said nothing.” The entire drive home I’d thought about her comments. They hurt, but they really were the story of my life. Reacting to things instead of acting. Letting life take me on whatever path it decided instead of pursuing what I wanted. “But maybe she’s right.”
She dropped her purse on the coffee table and sat next to me. She smelled like fresh air and a little like bacon from brunch. “Don’t you think she gets enough affirmations in her comments section? You should’ve told her she was wrong.”
“So you don’t think I’m directionless and unfocused? Easily distracted by…”
“Rob’s penis?”
I knew she was kidding, but that comment felt like a punch to the gut. “Among other things.”
“Compared to her, everyone is unfocused,” Sloane said, not necessarily denying the accusation. “Why did she say this? Was there a point?”
“She wants me to talk to Rob, demand a promotion. And she’s pregnant.”
“You’re blaming this on pregnancy hormones? How very feminist of you.”
“No, not the hormones. Although hormones are real.ShouldI blame it on the hormones?” I thought about that, then shook my head. “No, not hormones. But maybe it came out a little harsher than normal because she’s pregnant. I’m sure she meant well.”
Sloane slid the cell phone she’d been holding onto the coffee table like she now planned to stay awhile. “I hope you told her you were already planning to talk to Rob about a promotion, without her advice.”
“I actually did.”
“Good,” she said. “Because you did.”
Yes, I did and I would. I’d show her I was capable of more than she gave me credit for. “How was your brunch?” I asked. “Better than mine?”
“You’re calling a T-ball game brunch now?”
