“Whoa,” he says. “I just want to go fishing with the kid.”
“Well, I can’t have you in my life, Colton,” I clarify. “And if you’re in Christian’s life, you’re in mine too. We’re a package deal.”
“I know that,” he says. “I want to be inbothof your lives.”
I sigh. He just doesn’t get it.
“Listen…” he goes on. “We really need to talk. I was up all night, trying to figure you out, Clara. And I think I know exactly what is going on. You’re jealous.”
His words get to me. I want to murder him. He’s right though.
“And you don’t have to be, Clara,” he continues. “Listen… I can’t express myself properly on the phone like this, which is why I think it would be a great idea for us to spend more time together, just so I can explain.”
I have no words. I don’t know how to respond.
“Fishing with Christian is perfect,” he tells me. “He could be our buffer. With him around, you know I won’t try to seduce you,” he quips.
“Oh, please… don’t flatter yourself,” I say, but truth be told, the possibility of seduction is always a concern with him.
I hate to admit it, but he’s slowly turning me around. Mostly because I really don’t want to disappoint Christian.
“So what do you say?” he asks, sounding hopeful.
I stare at the picture of Christian on my dresser. It was taken not so long ago, when we got our new boat (used, but new to us), and he’s holding his first fishing rod, all smiles. I sigh. The boy does love fishing. “Sure… okay,” I finally concede. “When were you thinking?”
“Next weekend?” he says cheerfully.
“Sure,” I say, not excited in the least. “Next Sunday?”
I can’t believe he’s roped me in again. The man is good.
