Page 21 of The Pucker and the Princess
Despite myself, I actually like him. Working together on his car revealed a side of him I didn’t expect. He’s funny, thoughtful, and seems to genuinely care about his friends and family. And the fact that he’s so insistent on paying me back for my help is admirable and endearing. Even if it feels … odd.
That’s the thing, now that I realize it. I never really expected him to insist on his offer to repay my favor. Sure, if I’d taken him up on his offer of dinner, I’m sure he would’ve followed through. But at that point, it didn’t seem wise to accept. I figured he’d drop it at that point, assuming his offer to help hang pictures was more pro forma than genuine, and I never intended to ask for his help with that.
I’m used to men accepting my help as only natural, like they’re owed the assistance of anyone and everyone who’s capable of helping. Some of them offer to do you a favor in return, but I don’t think anyone’s ever gone out of his way to make sure to return the favor like this.
Noted. Well, you have two tickets if you find someone to invite. You should still come anyway. You’ll have fun.
Promise?
He sends back a gif of someone drawing an X over their heart, and I can’t help but laugh.
I’ve never been to a hockey game before. Anything I should know?
What?? A hockey virgin??
Not really. Wear layers. The ice makes the arena a little chilly, but a big enough crowd can make it warmer
Good to know. I’ll leave my football hat and mittens at home
Oohhh, you’re a football fan, huh?
It’s genetic. My parents are big into football. My younger brother played through college, and one of his former roommates made it to the pros
So you’ve got all kinds of connections to high powered people—a sister who’s married to a pop star and a brother with pro football friends
And apparently a neighbor who’ll get me hockey tickets
Just say the word, and I’ll have you at all my home games
You’re not going to offer to take me on the road with you?? I’m offended
I might’ve, but then I found out you’re a football fan …
It’s not my fault I wasn’t born into a hockey family. Still, might be wise for me to try out one game before I commit to more
There’s a long pause with no response, and I stare at my phone for far too long, hoping he’ll say something else. But he doesn’t.
“Maybe he got busy,” I tell myself, looking around my apartment to find something to do.
But now my once-cozy condo feels claustrophobic. I’ve eaten dinner. I’ve cleaned up. I have my TV set up and my bedroom and living room are mostly decorated. The things that are still in boxes aren’t anything I need to unpack right away. And the thought of unpacking more right now feels stifling.
Talking to Dozer made me realize how lonely I am here. And even that little bit of electronic connection makes me crave more.
I could text him again. Ask him if he’s busy. See if he wants to go out with me and grab a drink or something …
But no. That strays too close to date territory.
Unless …
If I say just as friends, would he believe that? Or respect it?
Sighing, I decide to go for it. Worst case, he tries to make a move, I block his number, and I’m still at zero friends in town.
I’m bored and tired of being at home. As I’ve said, I don’t really have any friends here. Would you like to be my friend and meet me somewhere for a drink? I don’t know any great spots, so I’m open to suggestions. But I’m also capable of opening Google maps and seeing what’s in the area if you want me to pick
Once again, the response time is longer than I’d like. But at last, my phone dings with his response.
Before I answer, I just want to make sure that this is a friends invite? You mentioned that you’re not looking for a boyfriend, and I just want to be clear that I’m not looking for a girlfriend either
