Page 11 of A Me and Him Thing
Isn’t that what I just asked him to do? Or does he think it was his idea? “Thank you,” I mumble, not really meaning it.
I sign paperwork, then the tow truck driver positions his truck in front of my car. “Thanks, Ren,” I whisper.
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight if I let you drive off with him. He doesn’t exactly inspiresafe, does he?”
“The only inspiration I’m getting is ‘lock my doors.’” He’s a scary-looking character.
“With more than one bolt. Maybe a dresser or two in front of them.”
My once heavy heart feels lighter around Ren. It’s such a good feeling.
As we watch the driver hook my car up to his tow truck, Ren mumbles, “Look at that. We fogged up the windows, and we weren’t even doing anything fun.”
I shake my head. I’ve never met anyone like Ren, someone who can be funny and intense at the same time. He’s an odd mixture of both. I wonder which part is the real Ren.
Turns out, going to Exodus this evening was a fantastic decision.
Chapter Three
WE’RE BOTH QUIETas the red lights of the tow truck disappear into the night. I’m going to be carless for a few days, but I can walk to my office from my townhome, so I’ll survive. That’s why I love living in downtown Portland. So many places are walkable.
I face Ren. “Thanks again. For everything. It felt good to get that out of my system. I didn’t realize how much I was bottling up inside me. Thanks for listening.”
“No problem.” He nods. “The night is young. I’m in the mood for pancakes. How about you?”
Hold up. “You still want to spend time with me?”
“Sure. You made a few mistakes. It doesn’t make you a bad person.”
“A few mistakes?” That’s putting it lightly.
“Fine. Some major mistakes that could represent character flaws. But you recognize what you did was wrong. If you didn’t, then I’d be concerned. Besides, we’re human. We all make mistakes.”
Again, he leaves me speechless. A rare occasion. “Thank you.” It releases from my lips as a soft whisper. He’s rubbing off on me, making me want to speak quietly.
“Pancakes?” His smile is downright rakish.
“It’s nearly two in the morning.”
“The best time. What do you think?”
I study him for a moment. I only just met him, and he already knows I have major flaws. Yet he’s not running for the hills. Where is this leading? “What are you looking for tonight? Before this goes any further, I need to know.”
“Fair enough.” He points in the direction he did earlier. “I’m looking for my car.” He pats the pockets of his pants and his blazer. “I’m looking for my keys. I know they’re here somewhere. And Nemo. Been looking for him for a long, long time.”
I fold my arms and smirk. “Are you always like this?”
“If I say yes, will it turn you away?” He stuffs his hands into his pockets, a habit he does often.
“No, actually. I like being with someone who’s so happy.” Surely, he isn’t like this twenty-four seven, though.
“My mom used to call me a smart aleck. Does that answer your question?”
“I hate labels.” I don’t want to be labeled as a villain. No one should be pigeonholed. People can change. Do better.
“I do too. They’re so sticky.”
My hand hits my forehead, then I cover my eyes. I’m not sure how to respond to him.
