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Giving him a harsh stare, she asked with unusual aggression.
"What do you want from me, Michele? Just what do you want?"
"A conversation," he smoothly replied. "Just a normal conversation. Is that so hard?"
"I won't make myself look pitiful in your eyes if that's what you're after."
"Why would it be? I'm simply curious about you and why that book affected you so."
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I know you," she said quietly. "You're always looking for a weakness to exploit. So why would I share something so private when you'd just take it and turn it against me?"
He was flabbergasted at her accusation for a brief moment before pride suffused his chest. He liked this combative side of her and the way she called him out on his bullshit. But as much as he admired it, he also wanted—no,needed—to know her thought process.
"What if I promise to behave myself?" he gave her a sheepish smile. "I'm not looking to start an argument, pet. I'm genuinely curious," he admitted.
She must have sensed the truth in his words because she gave a slight nod.
"Right," she shrugged. "I'm probably getting ahead of myself thinking you'd even remember anything I say. After all, I'm only good for one thing for you," she leveled him with her grave stare before smiling cynically, "and even that not so much, isn't that right?"
"Maybe I'm trying to see if you're good for something else too," he threw the option out there.
"Is this your new attempt to bulldoze your way into my life? Because I won't…"
"Just answer the damn question, Zia. There's no trap, no hidden motive."
She didn't seem appeased, maybe even more belligerent. But she gave him what he was looking for.
"She proved everyone wrong through hard work and perseverance," she shrugged. "I know I'm not very gifted but I'd like to think that if I do my best and put in the work there will be a happily ever after for me too," the cadence of her voice dipped just as a blush stained her cheeks.
Sneaking a glance at him, she quickly averted her eyes.
"You can laugh now," she whispered.
"Why would I laugh? It's an admirable point of view. You just got one thing wrong."
Frowning, she fully turned towards him.
"There is no such thing as happily ever after," he stated confidently.
"You're just a cynic," she accused with an adorable pout.
"Maybe," he shrugged. "But do tell. Has anything in your life given you an indication that there's something better out there?" He arched a brow as he awaited her answer.
She mulled over the question for a moment.
"No," she started, and his smile widened. "But just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean there isn't. I can't generalize based on my limited knowledge of the world. I'm sure there are people out there who live very happy lives," she nodded, proud of herself and her answer.
"You're too optimistic, pet. See, that's your first mistake. Just because someone else is happy doesn't mean you will be too. Life isn't fair like that."
"If I'm optimistic then you're awfullypessimistic," she shot back, a hidden fire in her eyes.
He held his tongue as he was about to sarcastically praise her for her choice of words. But then it suddenly struck him that despite her disability and her age, she was quite well-spoken.
Why hadn't he taken note of that before?
The answer was simple. Because he'd had his preconceived notions about her so he'd shoved her in a box which he'd never bothered to open again.
