Page 53 of Hello Darling

“I mean, it’s been five years, Stel.”

“What? This has nothing to do with Cody.”

“Course not. I know you think I’m the dumb one, but I do see things and I know what I know.”

“I don’t think you’re dumb, it’s just…”

“Well it must have something to do with him. I mean you have these little flings with guys who are passing through, which is fine, but they’re guys that you’d never actually get serious about. You aren’t looking to date anyone local even though you don’t ever want to leave. And then this fucking classy stud comes to town and you act like he’s all wrong for you.”

“It’s not like I don’t…but he’s not even…”

“Your type?”

“I wasn’t going to say that. He’s not even American. I mean he lives in London and he’s always off being an actor all over the world, and I…”

“Have a cat? Too bad they don’t make carriers that you can put small animals in that fit under the seat in front of you on a plane.”

“That would be too stressful for her.”

“For her or for you? You know Dad would love to look after Muffin Top. You have options. No one’s got you or her under house arrest.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “Whit and Brett could look after her too.”

“Exactly.”

“But I mean what’s the point? Our lives can’t possibly mesh. I can’t move to London. He’d never move here.”

“You never thought Cody would leave here.”

“Low blow.”

“Wasn’t meant to be. What I meant is: People are surprising. Just look at Martin with this girlfriend of his. No one ever thought he’d want to settle down.”

“Well. They haven’t settled down yet.”

“Yeah, but he’s—”

“What? Bringing her to Thanksgiving? We’ll see how long they last.”

He shakes his head at me. “I’m just saying. You get along great with Evan. You share the same values. You both think I’m awesome.”

I squeeze his shoulder. “True.”

“Just invite him to Thanksgiving. If you don’t, I will.”

“I have rules.”

“Yeah? I’ve got an ass—feel free to kiss it.”