Page 20 of Loving the Sinner
“Elli, you have nothing to be sorry for. You obviously didn’t know, and I know Wes and I have a very close relationship. But he isdefinitelynot my type.” She pulls my hands from my face. “I, uh, was actually wondering if you wanted to go to lunch or something sometime? I would really like to be friends, if it’s something you want.”
“I would really like to be friends, too.” I take out my phone and hand it to her, “Izzy leaves on Wednesday so I’ll text you and we can set up a time to hang out after that.”
Robin smiles and shimmies back and forth as she puts her number in my phone.
Is making friends really this easy?
We hear a chorus of voices drift out through the back door, and we turn towards the noise to find everyone filtering into the kitchen.
“Before we head back can I ask you something random and personal?” She says as she gives me my phone.
“Sure.”
“What are you looking for in a romantic relationship?”
“Why do you want to know?”
She shrugs. “Matt’s one of my best friends, I just want to make sure neither of you are wasting your time.”
I nod, that makes sense. “I don’t know, honestly. I’ve only had two serious relationships and they weren’t good. They ended even worse.”
She nudges me with her shoulder, “Ideally, then?”
Honesty is the best policy, right? It’s not like I haven’t given this a lot of thought. Growing up Mormon, as soon as I turned twelve a lot of lessons were about dating standards, how to be a wife and mom, and all the qualities you should look for in a future husband. The number of activities I spent looking through bridal magazines to plan my ideal wedding is disturbing. The amount of lists I was forced to make on my “perfect husband” is equally as disturbing.
“I’m definitely a romantic, but with what I consider realistic expectations. I guess ideally, I’d like to be with someone who helps make the mundane tasks like grocery shopping or cleaning fun. I’d rather be withsomeone who can say ‘hey, I planned this date for us. Be ready at 7’ or ‘I saw this flower at the park and thought of you’ than someone who tells me all the things theywantto do, but never act on it, or make me figure out every date. I used to leave my ex little notes around his apartment, or in his car while he was at work and he would get so mad and tell me it was embarrassing and clingy, so I want someone who likes the little gestures I do, and hopefully they’ll return them… Actions over words, you know? Maybe I’m asking for too much and that’s why I’m still single.” I say with a self-deprecating laugh.
“I think those are realistic and attainable. How important is religion?” Robin studies my face as she asks.
“That’s complicated. I’m kind of in the middle of-”
“Robin! Come on! I have to be home soon and you’re our ride!” Lexi yells from the back door.
“Ugh. Kids. That’s my queue. It was really nice to meet you, Elli. I look forward to getting to know you better.” Robin and I both stand, and she brings me in for a bone-crushing hug. She’s surprisingly strong for such a petite woman.
“It was nice to meet you too.”
As soon as Izzy and I get in the car, she’s bursting at the seams for me to tell her about what’s going on with Matt. I casually tell her about how he wants to take me out on Saturday, and from her reaction, you’d think I’d just told her that I won a trip to Italy or something.
“This. is. AMAZING. Ugh. Matt issohot.” She gasps. “Don’t tell Luke I said that.”
“I won’t tell Luke.” I chuckle.
“I think dating him will be good for you. Maybe he’s the one! You can get married, and then you guys can move back to Utah to have babies and I can be the super fun and cool aunt that spoils your kids!”
“Woah, Iz. Pump the brakes. Ijustmet him. We haven’t even been on a date yet! Besides, I can’t plan a future with a guy without talking to him. Not that there’s a future to plan, because we JUST MET.” My voice is raised on the last two words for emphasis, and I think it’s gotten through to Izzy.
She sighs and waves her hand dismissively. “Whatever you say. But if things don’t work out with Matt, I’ll probably end up married before you.” She gives me a grin that can only be described as devilish.
Yeah, at the rate things are going with my love life, she’s probably right.
Chapter 9
Wes
Did I stay up too late last night thinking about Elli?
No.
