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Oh my God. “I’m so sorry, Jo. I’m…”A really shitty fucking date.“Tired.”I’m emotionally unavailable.“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She sips her wine thoughtfully. “Who were you thinking about?”
“I wasn’t–”
“What’s her name?” Her smile remains. Her eyes twinkle. “We’re on our first date ever. I’m not vain, truly, but even I know my dress looks amazing tonight. A man doesn’t check out of a first date, nor does he smile the way you were, unless he were thinking about a girl. A special girl.”
I close my eyes and groan. “I’m so sorry. I’m an awful date. I ruined your evening.”
“Not ruined.” She shrugs easily. “I’ve had a nice night. A nice meal. Nice company. We just won’t get the happy ending.” I laugh nervously at the implication behind her words. “Why are you here, and not with that girl?”
“Because I’m trying to fall out of love with her.”
She smiles kindly. “And how’s that working out for you?”
“Not so great,” I admit. “But I’m not trying that hard. I don’twantto fall out of love with her.”
She swirls her wine thoughtfully. “So why are you here? Why not just stay in love with her? You can still get your happy ending.”
“Because she isn’t available to me anymore. I fucked it up.”
“Did you hurt her? Cheat on her? Beat her?”
“What? No! I’d never beat a woman. Especially not her!”
She ignores my half shout. “Is she married?”
“No.”
“Involved with someone else?”
“No.”
She shrugs casually. “So, what’s the problem?”
I’m on a first date with one woman, and we’re talking about another. How is this my life?
“Jim?”
“She’s not mine. She was never mine.”
“Somakeher yours.”
“It’s not that simple! She’s pregnant… the baby’s definitely not mine.”
“Do you wish it was yours?”
My eyes snap up at her boldness. “I mean– It’s not that– I can’t–”
Objectively, Jo’s teasing smile is really pretty. “Yes or no, Jimmy. First answer that comes to your mind.”
I nod and meet her green-eyed gaze. “Yes. I do wish it was mine. I’d do anything if I could make a family with her.”
“Well, if she’s not married, not involved with the other guy, if she’s otherwise single and available, why not try?”
“Try what?”
“Try being with her, dummy.” She snickers softly. “You’ve already said you have a bunch of friends you consider family; even without blood. Why does her baby’s DNA dictate your relationship with it?”
