Page 48 of Finding My Charming

“Civil litigation.”

“Sounds scary.”

I chuckled and shrugged. “He loves it. Says every case brings unique problems to solve. I guess it would be more interesting than tax or something.”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

“I don’t know if I can picture myself doing what he does for the rest of my life.” I’d thought that for a long time, but it was the first time I’d ever admitted it to someone. Ari didn’t even know how I felt and I’d just told a near stranger.

“Then find something that will make you happy.”

I was grateful he couldn’t see me rolling my eyes.

“I know it’s easier said than done. No one wants to disappoint parents, but I think they’d want you to be happy more than anything.”

“That’s deep.”

“Too deep for a Ferris wheel.” He pulled his arm away and angled himself so he was facing me. It was squished in the little cart, giving me no choice but to mirror him. “Tell me something else.”

I raised a brow in question.

“Anything. Tell me something you want me to know.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

He gave me a stern look. “Your favorite book, most embarrassing moment, favorite band growing up — give me anything.”

“I couldn’t pick a favorite. It would be like a parent picking a favorite child. I once gave a presentation in front of my class in high school right after gym. Not only was my face bright red from running the mile, but I’d buttoned my shirt wrong, so there was a huge hole in the front, and the whole class saw my bra.” I paused and made sure he wanted me to keep going.

He was smiling wide.

“Backstreet Boys were my favorite, but I was a big fan of the pop music back in the day. My first concert was one of theirs, but that was because my older sister loved them too and got my mom to agree to take us. I think if I had a choice though, I would have wanted to see Britney Spears. My younger sister loved her too, but our parents thought she would end up being a bad influence. Compared to people today, she was an angel. Could you image if the musicians now had been around back then? Parents would throw their TVs out the window.”

He sat there silent for a moment before busting up. One hand flew to his stomach before he doubled over laughing so loud the couple in front of us turned and gave us a weird look.

“What?” I grew more concerned the longer he laughed.

“I can’t believe you just told me all of that.” He gasped a few times and took a deep breath. “I was just trying to get you to open up a little, and you just broke the dam.”

I guess I kind of rambled, but he asked!

I tugged a loose strand of hair behind my ear, trying to distract him from seeing the blush I could feel creeping up my cheeks.

“I’m sorry! I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad. It’s like I’m finally seeing the real you. Who knew 90s’ music would be your kryptonite?”

When he said it that way, I couldn’t help but laugh with him. “You’re right. I’m pretty passionate about boy bands, but I grew up arguing with my sisters over who was the best, and for some reason they always got to pick who we listened to or went to see.”

“Are you the youngest?”

“No, I’m the middle child. The lost and forgotten one.”

He laughed and hit my leg. “You’re not lost or forgotten.”

He didn’t know the half of it. “Trust me. My older sister is the picture-perfect child. She graduated with honors, married her college sweetheart, and now owns her own business. My younger sister is a cheerleader and demands the attention of my parents. It’s exhausting to watch, really. It’s not my parents’ fault I’m forgotten. They just have other kids to think about.”

“Maybe they just know that you’re responsible enough to do things on your own. They don’t have to worry about you.”

“Ah, the responsible one. That’s definitely the sister that gets left out of the fairytales.”