“So what’s the problem?” she asks, completely confused. “You two are perfect for each other. And he’s super sweet… and kind of hot, I have to admit. A little rough around the edges but—”
“I can’t,” I try to explain. “I like him too much.”
She tucks the box back in the pocket of Oscar’s sweater. “Oh, that’s a new one. You can’t marry him because you like him too much.”
“I know it sounds stupid,” I say. “But if things go sour, I’ll lose my best friend. I can’t lose him, Corrie. Half of marriages end in divorce… I mean, look at you and Jacob….” My words trail off.
She cuddles close to me again, her small skinny legs pressed against mine. “You’re scared, Kayla. I get it. Your dad walked out on you and your family and broke your heart. You can’t trust anyone, and you’re too afraid to commit to any guy. Classic fear of abandonment. It’s all your dad’s fault.”
I can’t help but smile. “Well, look at you, Dr. Freud.”
“Yep, that Psychology 101 class in college really stuck with me.”
“Well, you may be on to something. Iamtotally messed up.”
“Well, not as fucked up as I am,” she says. “But yeah, you’re quite a mess too. But if anyone can make sense out of your mess, Oscar can. For what it’s worth.”
I reach in for a hug. “Thank you, Corrie. You’re a good friend.”
“Not as good as you, but I try.”
She suddenly jerks back. “Oh no, does this mean he’s not taking you to that special place?”
I bite my lip. “I don’t know. I hope not. I’m dying to know what it is.”
“Okay, well, you need to make up for at least a day,” she tells me with a smile. “I know you guys will make up. You two are inseparable.”
I ponder her words. Yes, we kind of are.
Inseparable.
