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A girlfriend.
Somehow, I landed a girlfriend.
I still think about the spontaneous way I asked Hazel a few days ago.
After Allegra came to see me, it made sense. And the weird thing is, I’m not scared by it. But a part of me feels that Hazel being my girlfriend isn't enough. I want more.
But what does that mean?
I don't have what it takes to be anyone's husband. Yet the idea of not leveling up our relationship to all it could be bothers me. I know if I lost her, I'd lose the best part of my life.
I shake my head. Maybe I'm on a high.
Took me so long to get semi-domesticated, and now I think it's all puppies and rainbows. I never asked for any of it—for puppies or rainbows.
I ring her doorbell, and her father opens up.
"Hi, Archer," Rick says. He looks good, and his face is a bit slimmer, which means the work Hazel has put into being the food police has paid off. "She'll be down soon. Come inside." He gestures for me to enter.
Moonshine greets me excitedly, jumping and sniffing me like a juicy steak. I caress her head and sit on one of the couches.
I'm sure Rick knows about the true nature of our relationship by now. I'm picking up his daughter for Sarah's birthday party tonight, yes, but he must know this isn't a regular work function. Not with the time we spend texting each other, even off-work when she's gone after her shift ends.
"How are you feeling, Rick?" I ask.
"Oh, good as new." He smiles.
Moonshine takes a seat on the couch next to me.
"Moonshine, get off," Rick instructs, but she wags her tail and jumps on me.
"She's fine," I say as she licks my cheek. “Friendly dog.”
Rick plops on the recliner chair opposite, scooting to the edge, his eyes trained on me. "Hazel said she's going to a new friend's birthday party. Someone she met before."
“Yes.”
His face grows serious, and he takes a good look at me, shooting me a warning glance. "You know… I understand she works for you, but if you hurt her, I'll end you. Don't think that because I'm twenty years your senior and with a new hip, I can't do some damage—especially if I don't have anything to lose."
I hide my amusement. Her dad is older than me and way out of shape, but I can't help but admire his sense of fatherhood. He's doing what any good parent would—protecting her from me. "I wouldn't underestimate you."
He scratches his chin. "Good. I have to be honest; you're a whole lot older than her. And I see the look in her eyes when she talks about you. I don't want her to be disappointed."
The amusement from his threat gives way to the rattling in my chest. I process his words quickly. I see the look in her eyes when she talks about you. I know the weight they carry. She’s the most important person in his life, and he wants her to be happy—not hurt.
"I'd never hurt Hazel. I know I don't deserve her.” I look down, feeling emotionally naked in front of a stranger.
He shifts in his recliner. "No one does. But knowing that is a good start."
I nod. "Agreed."
Moonshine licks my hand again, helping to dispel some of the tension stiffening my body. I make a mental note to send her an overpriced dog basket.
"I'll get you a lint roller." Rick stands and heads to the pantry.
I pet Moonshine, who sighs and rests her head on my lap. Puppies and rainbows. I've never asked for puppies, but it can't be that bad. As if reading my mind, she barks, demanding my attention.
Then I realize she's barking to announce Hazel's arrival.
