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Cocking her head, she examines them. “Heads-up, Shay, I’m an expensive girlfriend. Fake or not. I can’t help it.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing I’ve got money.”
She playfully smacks the counter. “That’s what I like to hear!”
I grab her empty plate along with my own and begin washing them in the sink.
“Do you ever let your dishes sit for a minute? You don’t have to do them the second you’re done using them. It’s okay to relax, Ryan.”
“I like an organized space.”
“No shit, Sherlock.” She stays silent for a moment, and I can sense her watching me. “Why don’t you date? You could have any girl you want. You’ve got that sexy protective thing going on. Plus, you cook and clean.”
Stilling, I pause with a plate in my hand, the water rushing over it. Indy has had no problems telling me exactly how she feels about me but hearing that she thinks I’m sexy hits differently. Like because we’re starting to know each other and we live together, the words hold more weight. But that could be me overanalyzing the girl opposite the kitchen island whose company I might enjoy more than I let on.
“I don’t have time right now. I have more important things I need to get done first.”
“So, eventually you will?”
“Maybe after I retire. I’m not sure. I haven’t thought too much about it.”
Lie. Bald-faced lie. I’ve contemplated this decision for years. If I ever open myself up in that way again, it’ll be well after I’m retired. It’ll be when I’m just a footnote in the history books. It’ll be once I can leave my house and not feel like a zoo animal on display. It’ll be once the only thing to gain from me, is me.
But that’s if I open myself up again.
“I hope you do,” she says softly. “You’d be good to someone. You’d make someone happy. I can tell.”
The untrusting part of me is screaming with the hidden meaning of her words. Because of how much money you make. Or you’re so well-known any girl would love to be on your arm. But there’s something about the kind smile Indy is wearing as she watches me do the dishes that makes me want to believe my gut. That she means I, as a man, as a normal everyday person would make someone happy, and I haven’t let that thought invade my mind in a long time.
8
INDY
Roomie
Do you have a dress for tomorrow night? These things are kind of fancy.
Clearly Ryan doesn’t know me very well yet because I have an outfit for every possible life event.
Wedding guest? Check.
Funeral? Check.
Formal fundraiser with Chicago’s pro teams? Check.
An afternoon spent at a bookstore where I’m casually browsing the shelves, appearing effortless and academic. When all the sudden, a handsome man down the aisle makes eye contact, shyly smiles, then holds up the same book that’s in my hands. Specific, but yes, I have an outfit for that too.
I’d love to buy a new dress, but I’m working with a budget these days.
Indy
I’m sure I have something in my closet.
And here I was about to offer my expensive girlfriend the opportunity to take my credit card out for a spin.
Now that you say it, I’m pretty sure my entire wardrobe got lost in the move.
That’s weird because your bedroom door still won’t close thanks to all the clothes sitting on the floor.
