“Such a doting boyfriend,” she teases, as if the idea of that is so unlikely, but the way she lingers by the door tells me she’s at least a little curious about what it could be like. If I’m honest with myself, so am I. I can find happiness alone or in a relationship. I guess it comes from years of therapy my parents insisted upon after my adoption was revealed. They wanted to make sure I didn’t impose any feelings of inadequacy on myself because I was given up by my birth parents. My real parents raised me on nothing but love, honesty, and the idea that home is where you feel safe. With them, I never had a chance to doubt myself. But it’s been a while since I’ve had a partner who gives me that same sense of home.
As I walk over to my place, I look over my shoulder and find Maevyn still watching me, and I think maybe I like this idea a little too much. I gotta remind myself that the arrangement I made with Maevyn is fake. Even if I could imagine something real with the woman who intrigues me more than anyone I’ve ever met.
The picture she paints of her life is one that doesn’t seem to have room for a romantic relationship, and the last thing I want is to rush into something again.
I don’t want to fall too quickly for an illusion of happily ever after that isn’t quite as it seems.
14
THIEF:
What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?
ME:
I’ve never been on a date.
THIEF:
Are you messing with me?
ME:
Nope. I don’t date. I’ve told you this.
THIEF:
Not ‘dating’ and not going on a date is different. We gotta fix that.
ME:
Are you forgetting I’m not your real girlfriend?
THIEF:
Better start practising if we want people to believe this is real.
ME:
That sounds dangerous.
THIEF:
Live on the wild side with me,Trickster.
ME:
smirk-emojiWhat was your worst date?
THIEF:
I had a friend set me up on a blind date, a double date with the girl’s roommate who he had been pursuing relentlessly. We got to the restaurant and it was my cousin.
ME:
crying-laugh-emoji
THIEF:
