Page 46 of A Me and Him Thing
I need to ponder my recent realization. The more I think about it, the more I realize Ren has never actually hinted at anything more than friendship between us in conversation or otherwise. I’ve been assuming a lot.
“You okay?” Ren asks.
I look into his eyes for much too long before answering, a question in my gaze. We’re so close, I can feel his sweet breath on my face.
“Bree?”
“Yeah. I’m okay.”
“Do you want to leave?”
Does he think I’m pining over Sawyer? Of course he does. Even I wasn’t completely sure I was over him until today.
“No, I’m good.”
“Okay. I’m here for you.”
Yes, he is. Too bad his sentiment didn’t come with a quick squeeze of my hand.
Again, nothing. This is odd. Something isn’t quite right. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it until now. I thought we were a couple—in the very early stages, but a couple nonetheless.
We’re not.
“Would you like me to get you a plate?” Ren asks.
“Sure.”
“What would you like?”
“Anything is fine.”
“Green eggs and ham it is.” He walks off to the refreshment table, leaving me smiling in his wake—even though I don’t feel like smiling.
He returns a few minutes later with plates for both of us, filled with an assortment of pastries, fruit, raw veggies, and dip.
“Thank you.”
“You bet.”
Such a gentleman. Is he pursuing me or isn’t he? I’m totally thrown for a loop, noticing things I’ve never noticed before.
Quinn opens several more gifts, the latest a package filled with an assortment of the cutest little sleepers I’ve ever seen. While everyone is oohing and aahing over them, I decide to conduct a little experiment.
I scoot over in my chair, making my thigh touch Ren’s. It’s so subtle, something that easily happens when sitting in a crowd of people.
Seconds later, he scoots over, ending the understated contact.
He gets up, takes our plates, and throws them away.
I’m known for being blunt, but I’m not about to make a scene in front of everyone at Quinn’s baby shower. Still, the urge to question him is strong. I’ve never been one to beat around the bush. I’m going to continue with my experiment, even though my heart’s aching in my chest. I’m trying my best not to reveal my inner turmoil, but I wonder if I look upset. More than likely, everyone expects it from me today anyway.
Ren’s hands are resting on his thighs, begging to be touched.
As Quinn opens her next gift, a brightly colored set of cloth baby books, I lean over and place my hand over Ren’s. “Aren’t those cute?”
He moves his hand out from under mine immediately. He covers his move by running his hand through his hair.
Huh.
