Page 119 of Nerdplay
I’m not one of those women who enjoys the chaos of dramatic romantic entanglements. My ideal partnership involves a porch swing and two single kayaks because my grandmother once told me it’s important to maintain a certain amount of independence.
I’m almost afraid to ask a follow-up question. “And now?”
He sidesteps the question. “Gloria said this is your thinking spot. I thought I’d give it a try.” He leans over the side and whistles. “You really jump into the water from up here?”
“Every summer. It’s exhilarating.”
“Have I mentioned I’m not a fan of heights?”
“No escape rooms. No cliff jumping. Noted.”
“How about Patrick? Did he like it up here?”
“No, it’s too far to see his reflection in the water.”
Charlie grunts his amusement. “I am sorry about the escape room. It wasn’t my best moment.”
I nod. “I accept your apology.” I wait for a follow-up, that he was wrong about not wanting a relationship with me.
Instead he says, “Tell me what happened with Patrick. I know he was a prick, but I’d like to know the details.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve shared a lot about me, and I’d like to know more about you. That’s how relationships work, right?”
Relationships. I proceed with caution.
“He failed to tell me he was seeing someone when we got involved and then ghosted me after he left camp. No response to my texts or calls.”
“How did you find out if he didn’t tell you?”
“Angela. She has a sixth sense when it comes to cheaters. She worked her magic on social media and found evidence of a girlfriend.”
“Wow. And yet he had the balls to register again the next year?”
I nod. “I almost had a heart attack when I saw his registration come through. I thought it was a mistake, and then he didn’t show up. Of course, he now swears that they only became exclusive after he left camp.”
“And you believe him?”
“I don’t know what to believe. In the end, it doesn’t matter. The damage was done.”
“Why ghost you though? Why not tell you he was now in a committed relationship and apologize? It wouldn’t have been ideal, but it would’ve been the more honorable course of action.”
“Because he’s a coward.”
“Do you think less of him for that?”
His question surprises me. “Of course not. His fear isn’t the issue. It’s how he chose to handle it.”
“How do you handle it?”
I point to the edge of the cliff. “Leap of faith.”
“Sounds like that last jump broke you. I’m surprised you’d be willing to climb back up here.”
“It was the right idea. Wrong guy.”
Charlie inches closer to the edge and peers over the side again. “Wow. That really is a long way down.”
