Page 35 of Three Pucking Words
I blink as I picture him walking through grocery aisles. People probably gawk at him at the produce section, staring as he studies the ripeness level of the bananas. “You do your own grocery shopping?”
“I like grocery shopping.”
My face twists in confusion. “Who actually likes that? It’s so boring.”
Bodhi laughs. “It makes me feel normal.”
“And nobody recognizes you?” I doubt. The man is too tall, too bulky, too…hotnot to be noticed. Bodhi is anything but normal.
He pauses. “Sometimes. For the most part, people leave me alone. We both know that the general population here ignores everybody around them. Taylor Swift could walk by half of New York City without anyone noticing.”
Nowthatis a load of bull. “Have you seen the videos posted online? The poor girl can’t even go to the bathroom without it being breaking news.”
We both know I’m right, so he doesn’t argue. Instead, he changes the subject back to food. “So, Thai? I can text you the menu and you can let me know what you want.”
My stomach rumbles to life, reminding me that the only things I ate today were a granola bar that I’d shoved into my purse on the way out the door this morning, and an apple that was softer than I usually like as soon as I got home. I’d lost my appetite as my appointment approached, and while I wasn’t particularly hungry now, I knew I’d be starving by the time I came home. I don’t want to sound like a dying whale the entire night with Bodhi if I don’t eat something.
“Thai is good. I know you’re in New Jersey, but send me your address and I’ll call a—”
“None of that,” he stops me before I can even finish my sentence. “I’ll pick you up.”
I blink slowly. “Bodhi, come on. If you want to stay close to home for your daughter, then picking me up is the last thing you should do. I can’t just spend the night in case something happens. I’d need a ride back. You getting me is no different thanus going to a restaurant and getting stuck in traffic. And, trust me, expressway traffic is no joke.”
There’s a moment of silence followed by a deep sigh from him that tells me he knows I’m right. “Okay, fine. But I don’t like it.”
“You don’t have to.”
“It’s considered the gentleman thing to do to pick up a woman you’re hanging out with,” he counters matter-of-factly.
My eyes narrow at the sentiment. “I’m pretty sure that only applies if you’re dating. And we’re not doing…that.” I say ‘that’ like my father did when he tried to broach the safe sex talk with me when I turned sixteen. It wasn’t pretty. Thankfully, he never tried talking about it again.
Honestly, I feel the same way he did saying the word ‘dating’ in terms of Bodhi and me. It leaves an unwelcome feeling in the pit of my stomach. A fuzzy one.
Bodhi is quiet for a second. “I’d like to think it’s still common courtesy, Honor. You clearly haven’t been around many gentleman if you don’t know that.”
My lips twitch at the statement.
Because he’s right.
“No,” I agree, although my voice is quieter than usual. “I haven’t.”
When was the last time Max even opened a door for me? Or drove us somewhere that I wanted to go rather than a sports bar so he could watch a game? Before my license was revoked, I’d meet him at restaurants because it was easier forhim. He’d never pick me up, never open a door, or even let me pick where I wanted to sit.
Bodhi’s voice softens. “That’s a real shame.”
Not knowing what to say about it, I shrug as if he can see me. “It is what it is.” Wetting my lips, I settle into the couch. “I’ll see you around six thirty, okay?”
Before he can reply, I hang up.
And those stupid butterflies flutter in my stomach at the thought of seeing the attractive hockey player tonight. The same one who hurt my pride by forgetting me. Who baked me banana bread. Who gave me his number in front of my boss without thinking twice about it.
Even though today has sucked, I realize I’m looking forward to seeing Bodhi.
For the distraction,I tell myself.
That’s all it is.
That tiny voice inside my head mutters,Liar.
