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“No doubt,” he said. “And my guess is you haven’t dated much since you split with Jeff and that is what your comment is about?”
“I haven’t ‘dated’ anyone since Jeff,” she said. “Eli is my life. Not many understand that. Or I’ve found many my age don’t want to get involved with someone with a child. I had a few single dates and that was it. I gave up.”
“You might be looking in the wrong places,” he said. “But I understand Eli has to come first and he should. That is what makes you a great mother. Can I ask, has Jeff dated anyone?”
“He has. He is now too, I’m almost positive. He name drops at times so I’ve heard a name, but that could have only been a few dates and ended. I never ask because I don’t care. He doesn’t bring everyone into Eli’s life. I’m not sure why. I’d like to think he’s trying to do the right thing, but I don’t know. I don’t ask about his personal life and only know if Eli brings it up.”
“And you don’t like when that happens?” he asked.
“I’m not jealous,” she said. “Don’t think that. It’s just...”
“You don’t want a lot of people in and out of Eli’s life and confusing him?”
“That’s it. So you’re the middle child?”
He knew he got more than enough out of Roni for the day. More than he thought he would and wouldn’t ask more.
“I am,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve got that classic middle child syndrome though.”
“Don’t most middle kids want to be the center of attention?” she asked. She had a big grin on her face. “Being a lawyer is kind of the same thing. I wonder how many lawyers out there are middle children. Do you think there is a study somewhere about that?”
“Very cute,” he said.
“I thought so,” she said, angling her head mischievously.
“It’s not the only thing cute about you,” he said.
Not from her brown hair that was loose and past her shoulders to her brown eyes that were a little big for her face but narrowing at him now. Nor her adorable button nose that was scrunched up. Her lips were bare and pursed on top of it.
“So what is this about?” she asked.
“What? My comment about you being cute? That is partially why I asked you to celebrate with me. And I want to get to know you more. I think if you didn’t feel that way a tiny bit you could have easily made some excuse to not join me.”
“You’re good at wearing people down,” she said.
“Thank you. I’m not playing any games though. I’m a straight shooter and I’d think you’d appreciate that trait.”
“I do,” she said.
“Then I’m going to be very clear and upfront. I’m hoping this is the start of many dates, but if you don’t feel or want that, just tell me. I’m a big boy. I can take it.”
“Eli is my life.”
“I believe we covered that. Anything else you need to declare?”
She smiled at him. “No. Just that I’m pretty rusty with this whole dating thing.”
“No worries,” he said. “I can help you out with that. Do you like romance? Nah, you’re not the type.” He put his finger to his chin. “You’re pretty basic too so nothing fancy either.”
“Basic?” she asked, her eyebrows lifting.
“Did I offend you? Nope, I can see it in your eyes. You’re playing with me now. You want me to think it, but you’re laughing inside because I’m right.”
“I’m not a fancy person. I’ve never been that way. I guess if that is your definition of basic it’s close enough. You, on the other hand, I bet you’re fancy. You and your suits and the car you drive.”
“Do you know the kind of car I drive?”
“Nope,” she said. “I don’t.”
