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“I don’t know, I think he likes driving a tiny car, eating salad, and incessantly listening to TED Talks and podcasts. They’re enriching his mind,” I mocked.
Miss June rolled her eyes so much I got a little dizzy. “One day he’s going to wake up and realize how ridiculous he’s being.” She paused. “I hope that he’ll recognize what he could have with you before it’s too late.”
I twirled my ponytail. “He doesn’t want me. I’m not sure anyone does,” my voice hitched.
She stood and walked over, taking the chair next to me. She wrapped me in her arms, and I sobbed like a baby into her bosom.
“I’m going to die an old maid, probably in my dad’s house, surrounded by Rick Springfield posters, with General Hospital on replay because I won’t remember which episodes I’ve watched.”
Miss June rubbed my back. “Shhh. It’s going to be okay, darlin’.”
“I don’t know if it will be. I’m beginning to think there’s something wrong with me. Why do I keep scaring men away?”
“It’s not you, it’s them. Brooks and Julian. I think those men are more alike than they want to admit. They both know being with a woman like you will require change. And change is scary for men who like to pretend they have it all figured out, when in reality they haven’t got a clue. Brooks hates to admit he’s wrong. He always has. He comes by it honestly,” she admitted.
“What do I do?” I whispered.
“I don’t know if I have the right answer. All I know is don’t you change yourself. If these men can’t recognize what a gem you are, they don’t deserve you. You let them come to you.”
Huh. Maybe she was right. I’d felt like all I had done lately was look for Mr. Right. Maybe it was time to let him come find me. Even if it meant not getting my perfect reunion night. Even if it meant not listening to the voice anymore.Chapter Eighteen“Wake up, buttercup, you have a visitor.” Lorelai knelt next to the round ottoman in the “executive” bathroom—where I was closing my eyes and contemplating my life—and poked my arm.
I turned my head and groaned, “I don’t want to see anybody.” My plan was to hide in the bathroom forever, or at least until it was time for my next appointment.
“You might want to rethink that. This visitor is fire engine red hot.”
I bolted up. “Brooks is here?”
Her face dropped. “No, darlin’.”
“Oh.” I ran a hand through my hair, feeling more disappointed than I should. I had been having delusions of grandeur about Brooks finally realizing it was me he should be chasing. Even though I hadn’t seen him or talked to him since last week when I dragged him to a movie at the park. “Who, then?”
She sat next to me on the ottoman. “I’m afraid to tell you now, for fear you will be disappointed.”
“I’m pathetic. But I’m done chasing the ghost of Brooks. Who’s here?”
She forced my head onto her shoulder. “You’re not pathetic. That first love is magical and tough to get over. Especially when they walk back into your life.”
“Are you speaking from experience?”
Lorelai paused, then sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Is it that guy you tried to set me up with? Dane?”
She softly laughed. “You are perceptive.”
“Why would you try and set me up with someone you have feelings for?”
“Darlin’, it’s more complicated than a woman’s brain. Let’s just say, it would be best for both Dane and me to forget each other.”
She had me so curious. “Did William know you had feelings for his friend?”
She rubbed my arm. “Gracie,” she whispered, “there are hurts that run so deep it’s best to keep them buried. Regardless, Dane deserves happiness, and I know you would be up for the job.”
I let the inquiry into her past drop for now. “I’m not sure I’m up to making anyone happy.”
“I beg to differ, and I think Julian would too, judging by the size of the bouquet he just brought you.”
My head popped up. “Julian’s here?”
“Uh-huh.” She grinned. “Maybe I was wrong when I told you to be careful about him. Perhaps you should throw some caution to the wind. He’s even more handsome in person.”
“That he is. But he himself warned me to keep him at a distance. Not to mention all of Brooks’s warnings about him.”
She pointed at my heart. “What is this telling you?”
“I don’t know. When I’m with Julian, I always enjoy myself. He makes me smile, and I even get a little fluttery around him. And he’s been a total gentleman, which I like.”
“But he’s not Brooks,” Lorelai suggested.
“It’s more than that. I just can’t put my finger on it.”
“Well, it’s probably his evil sister.”
“Probably,” I snarled.
“Honey, if I were you, I would go out there and see what the man has to say for himself. At least snag the flowers. They are the prettiest white roses I have ever seen. And you know they symbolize new beginnings. Maybe you both need one.”
