Really? “Smart enough” is his go-to line?“I was thinking about what I’d do if I weren’t so busy.”
He leaned forward, arms on the table. “What did you come up with? Come to Christmas with me and my family?”
“No.” She’d said it too fast, but that was not where she was going… at all. “If I weren’t so busy, I’d like to hike.”
“Hike? Like in the woods?”
“Yes. Anywhere. We could backpack and camp out under the stars.”
“How about the penthouse with a star view from the balcony?”
“Not the same.” She crossed her legs. “I don’t even know your favorite football team. I should know that.”
“The Green Bay Packers. Since I was seven.”
“Seriously? Hmm.” She’d never have pegged him as a cheesehead. He wasn’t the type. Or was he?
“Do you know mine?” she asked.
“Do you have one?”
She cocked her head. “When was the last time you told me you loved me?”
He drained his glass. “I don’t know. Is this what all this is about? You want me to say it more often. Fine. I love you.”
“Robert, I’m notinlove with you. Not the way I should be. If I was, I wouldn’t have found it so easy to reschedule dates, and…”
“Let me down on the holidays?”
“Yes. That. I guess so.” She shrugged. “When I see you across the room, I don’t get butterflies in my stomach. When you kiss me goodbye… no sparks.”
“We’re not twelve,” he said, but his voice was softer. “I wanted to talk about this over Christmas.” He reached into his coat pocket.
“Don’t.” Her heart pounded so loud she wasn’t sure if she’d uttered the words or not, but he paused.
“I’m not arguing about the trip. I’ve already told them you’re busy. I’ll go alone this year, but I’d like you to be there with me.” He pulled out a small square box. “From now on.” He raised the lid revealing a beautiful ring. “This was my grandmother’s. It’s been appraised at—”
“It’s lovely, and I’m sure it’s worth a small fortune, but I can’t marry you. You deserve someone better. Someone who will want to do all the things you want to do. Someone who will drop everything as soon as you call, because she can’t wait to see you. I’m not that girl.”
“We’re perfect for each other.”
“No. We’re content. If I do get married, it’ll be for the right reasons. I thought we were on the same page. I apologize it took me so long to figure this out.” She set her hand on top of the ring box and pushed it back toward him. “I’m so sorry. I do treasure our friendship. I hope you’ll be able to accept my apology so we can still be friends. I understand if not today. But someday.”
“When you realize what you’re missing out on… you’ve got my number.” He cupped the box in his hand and stood. “I wish you well, Vanessa. If you have a change of heart, call me.” He patted her shoulder as he walked out.
She sipped her lemonade.
The waiter stopped at her table. “You’ll be dining alone?”
“I think I’ll just take the drink check. Thank you.” An audible sigh of relief escaped as she set her glass down.
She texted Anna.
Vanessa:Robert proposed. I said no.
Anna:How are you?
Vanessa:Relieved.
