Page 112 of Scouting the Single Dad

Layla:

Yes, for sure snuggling. Are you a snuggler?

Me:

Of course I’m a snuggler. You can’t have a pre-teen daughter and not be, know what I mean?

Layla:

That’s sweet. Love it.

Me:

Yeah, Benny basically fell asleep on top of me last night. She’s a hot box to begin with and on top of that, she had a fever, so that added to my exhaustion.

Layla:

Well, if I was there, I’d let you lie on the couch while I rub your feet.

I snicker and want to ask Oh? Is that the only thing you’d rub? but don’t want to be a pig. Too soon for that, ha ha.

Instead I ask: What’s the couch policy on snacks?

Layla:

Do you mean, do I allow snacks in the living room?

Me:

Yeah.

Layla:

Um, my favorite thing is to be parked on the couch with my arm elbow deep in a bag of popcorn.

I rack my brain for something new to say, wanting to change the subject. Circle back around to the important shit—like whatever this is that we’re doing. Definitely not dating. Definitely not a one-night stand.

What is this?

A fling?

A friendship?

Friends with benefits?

I wish I fucking knew.

Me:

Can I be honest for a second?

Layla:

Yes of course. Please.

Me:

We obviously like each other. And I don’t want this whole situation to be a confused blur that ends up hurting someone.