Page 32 of Hate You, Maybe
“So you’re saying you aren’t interested in her?”
“I’m saying I’m not interested in anyone.”
Sayla narrows her eyes.
The truth is, I’ve always kept my romantic relationships casual. When I was younger, I did some dating, sure. I had a couple girlfriends in college. But I always gravitated toward women who had big goals. Like law school across the country. Or moving to Nashville to make music. They weren’t looking for commitment or to settle down anytime soon.
Zero hearts got broken.
These days, I get plenty of love from family and friends. Plus, the work I do at Stony Peak is more rewarding than I knew a job could be. That’s all the connection I need. All I’ll everriskneeding. And no, I’m not going to get into the deeper reasons behind my relationship avoidance with Sayla.
But I can offer her a surface reason.
“I don’t have time,” I explain. “The athletics program keeps me way too busy to focus on anything else, and I wouldn’t want to give less than my best to work or to someone I was dating. I’m just trying to support our teams, be at as many games as possible. Every day, there are practices, tournaments, and play-offs. It’s never-ending.”
“I’m the same way,” Sayla rushes to tell me. “Except I’m busy with play rehearsals, music concerts, choir showcases, band performances.”
“We’re not in a competition here, Kroft.” I force a small chuckle. “You care about your department. I care about mine. I was just trying to explain why I might not have noticed Tori.”
“It’s just the way everyone talks about you at school, I just assumed you … you date a lot.” She takes a beat. “But I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”
“I’m already over it.” I hitch my shoulders. “And this is Camp Reboot, so let’s call this a fresh start. Clean slate?”
“Maybe after lunch.” She tips her chin. “I can’t make peace on an empty stomach.”
I study her expression for a moment. “Was that a joke?”
“If you have to ask, then I failed.”
“Sayla Kroft? A failure?”
She wrinkles her nose. Like a bunny rabbit, except more adorable. “Don’t tell anyone.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.”
She checks her watch, then hops up from the bed with her pink clipboard and pen. “We’re supposed to be back outside at the office in ten minutes, so I’m going to head over now.”
“But it’s literally a two-minute walk.”
“On time is late, remember?”
“Yeah.” I stretch out my legs. “I think I’ll take my chances.”
Slipping my phone from the pocket of my joggers, I open up my texts. “I’m just going to catch up on messages.”
This is what I say, but a part of me also needs to put some distance between me and Sayla. Her reluctant smiles are already loosening something tight in my chest, and we’ve only been together a few hours. A break from each other’s probably a good idea.
“Suit yourself,” she says, exiting the cabin in a swish of ponytail. I should enjoy the quiet, but a part of me feels animpulse to follow her. To distract myself, I check the texts I’ve been ignoring all morning.
The first one’s from Tim, Kendal’s husband. She told me he was flying home sometime Sunday, so I’m sure he’s back by now.
The bro-in-law
Hey, man. Thanks for stepping up and helping my wife out while I was gone. Friday night diaper duty isn’t for the faint of heart.
Me
Yeah. Well, my sister knew what she was doing when she talked you into naming your son after me. Uncle Dex has a soft spot for that kid forever.
