“No. I’m not marrying him. He even had the gall to suggest once we were married, I could quit my job and find one that was less demanding of my time or, get this, not work at all for a year.” She hadn’t intended to share that with Anna until they were together, but as soon as she got started the words just poured out.
“Oh?” Anna didn’t offer anything else. “Well, your job is very demanding. I guess a little life balance wouldn’t hurt, but not work at all?”
“Exactly! Not work? Me? I’m not that kind of girl.”
Anna’s hearty laugh filled the line. “I don’t think ‘I’m not that kind of girl’ applies to that situation, but I see your point. I can’t imagine you in an apron, putting stain remover on his shirt necklines, and making dinner every night.”
“Never.”
“I’m sure he thought he was being supportive. Generous even.”
“Pfft. Sounds controlling to me.”
A long sigh came from Anna’s end of the line.
“He’s a very nice guy. He’s smart—”
“How does he make you feel?”
“At this moment?” Vanessa wasn’t sure. “Aggravated.”
“How long have you two been dating?”
“A while. Two—well, almost three years. Actually, three and a half.”
“And I haven’t even met him,” Anna said. “What is it you really want from Robert?”
Vanessa took in a breath. “Nothing more than we have. Dates for parties? I can take care of myself. I mean, he’s good company. He’s a good man.”
“I’m sure he is, but that’s not love. You marry for love, Vanessa.”
“Mom married for love and look how that turned out.”
“Your mother never regretted any of her decisions. I know you and your father have not had a good relationship since she passed, but I promise you he was a very different man before your mother died. I’ll say this. Being married to the wrong man is never better than being alone.”
“I knew I should’ve broken it off, but he was so upset about Christmas.”
“Do you really think he is going to be any happier to be with a woman who doesn’t truly love him? You’re stealing his opportunity to find true love with someone who can’t wait to do the things important to him.”
“Like Christmas with his parents?”
“Exactly. Or stay home for a year. Forever maybe.”
“I hadn’t really thought about it that way.”
“I’m not here to judge, but it’s something to consider. If you really weren’t torn about work, and how to make things right with Robert, then I think you might already have your answer.”
“We probably should have had this discussion a long time ago.”
“I’m always here for you. I don’t think you were ready for this talk before.”
“You’re right. As usual.” She sighed. “I really liked the idea of being in love, and he was so perfect, but there was never that spark.”
“Vanessa, you can’t make the spark. It happens on its own. But you also don’t want to work your way through the best days of your life. Succeeding in your career is awesome, but not at the expense of a life well lived. You don’t even get to enjoy the places you travel to for work.”
“The schedules are tight.”
“You could make it work. You’ve got to put yourself out there—heart and all. Believe me, you will find even more happiness in both if you do.”
