Page 37 of A Whirlwind of Color (The Light to My Darkness 2)

“Yours. Of course yours. But the t

hing you’re not understanding is that James is your world. He’s what makes you happy. He means everything to you.”

“I’m not even sure he’s my type.”

She laughed. “Then what is your type?”

“I don’t know…blue eyes, dirty blonde hair.”

Melissa’s eyes bulged slightly. “You never told me that before.”

I shrugged. “Well, if I’m thinking about it…that’s my type. Like…lifeguard-esque. And funny and carefree. And you know…closer to my age.” All the opposite things as James.

“That’s extremely interesting, Penny.”

“Why?”

She just stared at me and shook her head. “Well, how would you feel if I told you that you passed up that exact person you described in order to be with James? Would that convince you of how much you like him?”

“You mean I dated someone else before James? Someone just like that?”

“You did.”

“Well, I’d say I don’t believe you. Because obviously I would have chosen to be with him over James.”

“Penny, everyone loves tall, dark, and handsome.”

“I don’t. I want young and fun and blonde.”

“Shut up.” Her words came out harsh, like she was pissed at me. “I’m sorry, I…” her voice trailed off. She set her cup down on the coffee table. “Penny, you dated them off and on at the same time. And it was always James. You even made a pro-con list and everything pointed to Tyler. But you chose James anyway. You’re head over heels for him.”

“Tyler.” I said the name out loud, hoping it would trigger a memory. But his name meant nothing to me. “What happened to him?”

“This conversation isn’t about Tyler. It’s about James. Penny, you need to try to remember.”

“I was just wondering.” Geez. Melissa was never this serious. I was surprised she wasn’t raiding my closet and making me wear slutty clothes out on the town. It was a Friday night after all.

She sighed and lifted her cup back up. “Tyler is one of your best friends now. He’s happily married to another great friend of ours, and they have an adorable three and a half year old son together.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t look so disappointed.” Her smile was back. “You had your chance with him. As did I.”

“You dated him too?”

“Well, you happen to be right. Young, fun, and blonde was appealing to me as well. But I wound up right back where I started with Josh. Tall, dark, and handsome always wins. See? It’s a thing.”

“Huh.” I took a sip of my tea. “Rob’s daughter is three and a half too. Do their kids hang out? Or I guess I mean…are they friends too? Or is Tyler just my friend? You do know Rob, right? James’ brother?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I know Rob. I had a fling with him too.”

“Of course you did.”

“And yeah, they’re all friends. Axel and Sophie are adorable. Those are their children’s names.”

“Cute names.”

“For cute kids.”

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