Finally, we all settle on the sofa. Christian sits smack in the middle, happy as a clam. We’ve seen this movie before, so I know it’s PG13 and most of the inappropriate jokes are over Christian’s head. “Have you seen this?” I ask Colton, realizing I haven’t even asked him before.
He helps himself to some popcorn. “No,” he says. “Looking forward to it. I’m a huge Will Ferrell fan.”
“Me too.” Well, there’s one thing we have in common, if nothing else. If we hypothetically got together, we could watch all Will Ferrell’s movies, and there are a lot of them. But then what? What would we have to talk about after that? We’re so different, from different worlds.
We watch the film and laugh easily and often. My favorite part is when Mark Wahlberg’s character shows up on his motorcycle, cool as shit, and Will Farrell’s expression is just priceless. I’ve seen this movie quite a few times, but it’s never been this fun. I just love watching Colton enjoying it. He has the same sense of humor I do, laughs at all the right places. He’s definitely no stiff-upper-lip rich boy, a lot more chill than I could have imagined. Maybe I judged him a little too quickly.
Yet… he is a player. And he is from the other side of the tracks. And I am certainly not interested in a Romeo and Juliet thing with a player who is known for hosting parties and playing games with countless beautiful women every month. And let’s not forget he pays these women, like they’re high class escorts. Being lost in this simple moment with him, watching a funny flick, I almost forget that.
And I can’t forget that. I can’t let him carry me away. I need to stay with my feet firmly on the ground.
To that end, I’m business-like when the movie is over. It’s time for him to go. Christian whines because he wants him to stay longer. “Colton needs to get back to his house,” I explain. “He has three cats who miss him a lot. They’re probably wondering where he is.”
“You have three cats?!” Christian asks, curious.
“Yes, my three musketeers,” Colton tells him. “Athos, Porthos and Aramis.”
“Cool,” Christian cheers. “Can I come over and see them one day?”
The beautiful Mr. Rossi smiles wide. “It would be my pleasure to have you over, Christian.”
“Do you live on the lake?” Christian asks, clearly delighted. “In one of those fancy houses?”
Colton smiles. “Yes. You like to fish, right?”
Christian nods enthusiastically.
“Well, we could go fishing,” he says. “I know a great spot.”
I shake my head. We can’t be having this. Let’s back up the car for a minute. “Uh… we’re very busy,” I chime in. “As I’m sure you are too. It must take a lot of time to be CEO and take care of your three cats and that huge house and property, and let’s not forget those parties you throw every month.”
“Parties?!” Christian pipes in. “Can I come?”
Colton laughs and bites his bottom lip. And just the sight of it makes me want him a little. I mentally scold myself.No, no, no!
“It’s grown-up parties, buddy,” he explains. “But you can definitely come over some time… if… if your mom says it’s okay.”
Christian turns to me expectedly.
Oh, great, now I’m the bad guy. It’s quite a pickle I’m in. I don’t want this man in our lives, but he quickly has infiltrated himself in our little world. This fact both upsets me and excites me. I’m so damn confused.
We say our goodbyes quickly. I don’t even hug him. I send him off with a lazy wave, careful to keep my distance lest he gets any ideas. He seems to understand my body language and keeps back. He pats Christian on the head. “Bye, buddy. See you around.”
Then he leaves and doesn’t turn back. And I wonder if I’ve gone and done it. Have I chased him away for good? My heart sinks at the thought, and I hate that. I hate that I’ve already developed feelings for this guy, this guy who represents everything I hate in a man. It’s for the best, I tell myself. Christian and I certainly don’t need a man like him in our lives, a man who is sure to break both our hearts.
