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“Oh yeah, I recognize this spot. You know what, it’s on my list of places to check out. I guess I could go out with you tomorrow.”
“Yes!” Lark squealed.
Marissa laughed. “Don’t sound so excited. I’ll do some scouting while I’m there, and for the record, I’m not interested in meeting anyone right now. I have a lot going on at work. For instance, I got a new client today. He’s a chef and I have to do all the preliminary work to find him a match.”
“I work too. You can only use that excuse for so long.”
Of course Lark would call her out on her BS. That’s what best friends were for.
“I have other things going on in my life that a man would distract me from.”
“Such as?”
“Buying a house. You know that’s my priority right now.”
Marissa believed in love. She had to, working at a matchmaking service. Though she thought Bruno to be a cynic, he was right—the divorce rate was astronomical. Love was not enough to keep couples together, and most people didn’t seem to want to work through the difficult periods.
“You know I want that for you, and when you buy your place, we’re going to have the biggest, best housewarming party!”
Marissa grinned. She could always count on Lark.
“Last Sunday I went to an open house, and I cried afterward,” she confided.
“Oh no, why?” Lark asked.
“Because it was perfect. Level, fenced back yard. They had fruit trees! A basement, a sweeping two-story foyer—ugh. The house was perfect, Lark. But I shouldn’t have gone in there because it’s out of my price range. I don’t know why I torture myself.” She shook her head in self-disgust.
“There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, to get ready for when you purchase your second house, after the starter.”
“I like how you put a positive spin on my delusion.”
“I know all about dreaming, okay? I inherited my grandmother’s house, and that thing has been draining all my money because of the repairs. But you know what, I love my little shack. Doesn’t stop me from looking at the million dollar homes a few miles away though. So don’t feel bad. We’ll both get what we want one day.”
“You’re right. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming.”
“Now, about tomorrow night…”
“I said I’d come,” Marissa reminded her.
“I know, but I don’t want to twist your arm. If you don’t want to, I’ll understand. It’s just that…” She hesitated.
“Go ahead and say what’s on your mind,” Marissa said.
“All right, fine. You used to be fun! Spontaneous. Remember when we went to see Lizzie in L.A. when she wanted to go into acting? We went just for the hell of it.”
“I remember,” Marissa said with a wistful tone in her voice.
“Now you’re extra… cautious.”
“I can’t be that person anymore. I have a kid now, Lark.”
“You’re not the only single mother in the world.”
“I know, but?—”
“And Chet’s a good dad. You said so yourself.”
Marissa sighed quietly. “Yes, he is. I… I don’t know. I want to be a good parent, you know? I don’t want to be like…” She let the words trail off as her voice thickened.
