Page 3 of His Choice

“Is he? I’ll take your word for it,” I quipped.

“I don’t think Mitch would be planning a getaway to propose marriage if it weren’t the case,” she replied. The corner of her mouth quirked up a bit.

“He what? Seriously?”

She nodded.

“Does Keller know?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, Mr. Clueless when it comes to romance. Of course he doesn’t. And I’m trusting you to remain quiet about it.”

“You mean like you just did?” I asked. It was hard to picture Keller settling down for good. “Do you think Keller will say yes?”

Simone chuckled. “You and Adam are so alike. Confident on the outside, but self-doubting all the same. Always assuming someone is ready to yank your heart out. Adam made Myles wait too long to hear the words ‘I love you’ because he feared it wouldn’t be returned. Thank God that didn’t blow up on him. You’re the same way. I think there’s a part of you that would rather avoid pursuing someone than be rejected.”

“How did you wander off topic? That didn’t answer my question.”

Simone put her hands on her hips. “Yes, Keller will accept the proposal. My point was, Adam has grown, but you could still learn a thing or two from Mitch. He hasn’t held back with Keller. He hasn’t feared rushing things, and he took the risk of expressing his feelings. That’s what Keller needed—the security of knowing Mitch won’t be another person who walks away or deems him not good enough. Thanks to Mitch, Keller now believes he deserves that love.”

“Of course he does,” I said.

“So do you, Cliff. There’s nothing wrong with being single, but I don’t buy that’s what you want. I’ve watched you when you hang out with me and Ezra, or when we’re together with you and the guys. I know you’re happy for us, but there’s a part of you that looks lonely, too. The problem is there aren’t a ton of available men in White Pines who are into other men. If you want to stay here, and I sure hope you do, then the show would bring potential suitors to you.”

I sighed. “I mean, a relationship might be nice, if it’s the right guy and everything.”

She tilted her head in contemplation. “What’s the harm in trying this out? Stop worrying about how everyone else perceives you, and maybe you’d have fun. If none of the contestants appeals to you, then you’re no worse off than you are now. Starring as the bachelor won’t require you choosing someone.”

“The show is called His Choice,” I reminded her. “I beg to differ.”

“No, your decision could be to pass on everyone. I’ve seen these types of dating reality shows. It’s happened where nobody connects at the end. But that’s your choice, of course.” She giggled. “No pun intended.”

I exhaled in defeat. “If I say no, I’d embarrass my mother after she’s told everyone I’m doing this. Knowing her, that was probably her strategy. I have a strong sense of guilt, and she preys on it.”

“It’s possible,” Simone replied with a shrug. “Listen, if you say no to His Choice, it won’t just be your mom and Flynt who are disappointed. Excitement has been building in town for a while now. Sure, folks think it could bring in business, but they’re invested in you, too. You’re very well-liked, Cliff. But if you really don’t want to do the program, say no. Just be sure you won’t regret turning down a chance at finding love.” She swung the dishtowel over her shoulder. “Break time is over. I need to get back to helping Keller. Grab a seat by the air-conditioning vent where it’s cooler. I’ll come take your order in a minute.”

I found an empty table, sat, and rubbed a hand over my jaw. Despite Simone’s advice, part of me leaned toward signing the contract just to please the people of White Pines. Caring too much about others liking me had always been a weakness of mine. It was what had made me less effective as a teacher, and it was the reason I spent time trying to make others happy instead of myself. I was glad for my friends’ joy, but it reminded me that I was missing what they had, just as Simone had said.

She had also been right that I spent too much time worrying about what could go wrong, and not what might go right. Even a small chance that His Choice would introduce me to a great guy made it worth a shot. If the man turned out to be a nursing home director from Hawaii, all the better.

Chapter Two

Mikey

My roommate, Aaron, returned to the apartment from his jog, making more noise than if he’d brought with him a carriage of screaming babies. He dropped a bag that contained two coffees onto the counter before kicking off his sneakers, each smacking against the pantry door. Aaron dragged one of the kitchen stools across the tiled floor instead of lifting it, which was one of the sounds that made my nerves feel like they were being stretched and pinched.

“Frappuccino.” He pointed at the cup he’d brought for me. “Ming says hi.”

His reference was to the cute barista who Aaron had concluded had a romantic interest in me.

“Thanks,” I said, grabbing a seat next to him at the counter and taking a sip of the drink.

“Tell her you’re gay, already,” he said, shaking his head. “You suck for leading her on.” He leaned his face close to mine with a chastising grin, making me pull my head back.

“I’m not leading her on. I’m just nice to her.”

“Yeah, well, she’s picturing you sending her love notes in envelopes sealed with your special sauce, dude. Time to clear things up,” he countered, snickering at his own nasty humor.

It was true that whenever I had gone to the coffee shop, Ming had seemed to pay me extra attention and share a pretty smile. At first, I thought she had been compensating for my typically polite, somewhat bashful demeanor. But Aaron had noticed her behavior, too, and he was certain she was interested in me. Maybe because unlike the many big, strapping builds that so many of the younger White Pines mountain men seemed to have, I was as short, dark-haired, and fair-skinned as Ming.