Page 80 of My So-Called Perfect Life
“Okay, what’s your question then?”
She looks at me with sincerity in her eyes. “I know I asked before, but … you’re amazing, romantic, funny, understanding, smart, and super sexy. Why are you still single? Finding a great man like you is rare. Your job gives you access to beautiful women all the time. How has one of them not scooped you up?”
Taking a deep breath, I run my hand through my hair before answering, “Honestly, I’ve never really been into dating. After college, I was focused on getting Cohen’s up and running. That was my main focus. Plus, most women just look at me like I’m a fun time. The tattooed bad boy who works behind the bar that they can enjoy for a good night before going back to their lives. Not many have come back, looking to start a relationship. I’ve always wanted to settle down and have a family but when the time’s right. I figure that when I meet the one, I’ll know.”
She nods. “That makes sense. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry that you’ve only been looked at as thefun for a nightguy. You’re a better man than most I’ve met.”
Her words ignite something in my chest. I’m not sure really what it is, but something bursts inside it, filling me with warmth.
“Thank you.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Danielle
Holy-freaking-tired!
School has been back in session for a week, and I already feel like a zombie. Class sizes are slightly larger than usual this year. I’m used to having twenty-two to twenty-four kids a year, but I’m at twenty-nine this year, which I didn’t think would be too much of an adjustment, but it is. Plus, with the third kindergarten teacher being out on maternity leave, Brooke and I have been spending our lunch and planning period working with the sub, Luke, going over our lessons and school procedures. Luke is cool and nice and very appreciative of our time, but I’m still drained.
This year has been the hardest summer-to-school transition for me. I’ve barely seen Ryan. Or Mercy. Or my sister.
On top of all that, Ryan’s birthday is next week, and I’ve been trying to find something to do that doesn’t screamI’m doodling our names in my notebookbut is also thoughtful enough to show him I care.
I don’t even know what we are. Not that I need a label or anything, but things between us started out all ass backward.Or are we just friends with benefits? Does he even want a relationship?He said it wasn’t really on his radar, but yet things between us just work. He introduced himself to Brooke as my friend, so I know he isn’t assuming we’re in a serious relationship.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? I’m just trying to keep things cool and light, so I don’t wind up with another broken heart when this is all said and done.
I had an idea for his birthday as I was sitting on the subway on the way home from school tonight, but I’m not sure if it’s genius or dumb.
Grabbing my MacBook, I take a seat on the couch and group FaceTime Mercy and Amelia.
“God, I swear, this year is going to be the death of me,” Mercy says as soon as the call connects. “Teaching in prison might be easier than my first and last period classes. I start off the day in a bad mood and end it in a worse one.”
“It’s only the first week,” I say. “It’ll get better.”
“I’m not too sure of that,” she counters, hanging her head. “It’s like they had a summer meeting and decided they were going to do everything in their power to destroy me. Today, a kid in my last period class turned on the Bunsen burner and pulled out a lighter. I had to have security escort him from my class.”
“Jesus Christ,” Amelia huffs. “What is wrong with these kids?”
Mercy sighs. “I’m pretty sure it was a ploy for attention. He spent the rest of class in the office. I’m not sure what his punishment was yet, but I’m going to have a talk with him and see if I can figure out what’s going on. But I can’t have that behavior in my class. Monkey see, monkey do. Last thing I need is a chain reaction of negative behavior.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” I praise her. “I don’t think I’d last a day in a high school classroom.”
“What’s going on with you?” she asks.
“I actually wanted to run an idea I had for Ryan’s birthday by you guys.”
“Ooh, birthday presents,” Amelia coos. “Things are getting serious.”
I shake my head. “We’re not going there. Things are undefined at the moment, and we’re leaving it at that, which is okay. But his birthday is coming up next week, and I’ve been trying to decide what to do. I need to acknowledge it, but I don’t want to buy some gift. I’m not sure I know him well enough for that.”
“You’ve been seeing each other for close to three months,” Mercy interrupts. “What do you mean, you don’t know him well enough?”
It’s my turn to sigh. “I mean, I know him. I know what’s going on in his life, I know some of the things he likes, but I don’t feel like I know him well enough to pick out a gift for him.”
“Then, what are you thinking about doing?” Amelia asks.
“When we were at the beach last weekend, he mentioned a fantasy of his.” I feel the blush creeping onto my chest and into my neck and ears.
