Page 17 of Like You Want It

I groan, running a hand through my hair and pulling it over to one shoulder, picking at the split ends. “Ugh. That is the question of the day. I really don’t have any idea. I mean, I’ve been considering trying to do something with my artwork, but I’m not even sure my ideas are worthwhile.”

Her eyes light up. “You’re an artist?”

I shake my head. Violently. “I’m a doodler.Bigdifference.”

She gives me a somewhat shy smile. “Well, if you ever want someone to bounce ideas off of, I’m just upstairs.”

I laugh. “I appreciate that. But I promise you, no one wants to see my shit.” Not wanting the conversation to focus on my art or job or uncertain future, I decide to change the subject. “You said your brother knew the guy in construction? What does he do? Is he also in construction?”

I can picture Fin in a pair of jeans and a tool belt.

Shit.

I’ve never been much into roll play, but damn if that isn’t a visual I’d like to go over again at some poin…

“No, he’s in real estate. Investing in commercial properties or something. Well…nowhe’s in real estate. He used to be a Navy SEAL.”

Of course he couldn’t have just been a normal dickbag with any old job. He has to be a dickbag who protected our country. Why couldn’t he have been an ex-convict recently released from prison? My irritation with him would feel a little more justified.

And then I feel bad for judging some unnamed group of ex-cons. I’ve watched all six seasons ofWhite Collar.I should know better.

Although, I do spend a brief second picturing Fin changing out of his construction costume and into fatigues.

Yes, please.

But Susie moves on quickly, mentioning her other brother, Noah. Apparently he’s a personal trainer and lives in San Diego, near her parents.

“He’s one of those people who says things likeyou have to eat to live, not live to eat.” Susie rolls her eyes. “That’s fine for him, but the rest of us like to eat Oreos for dinner, okay?”

I break into giggles and Susie gives me a smile. “You know, as someone who also works at a gym – even though it’s part time – I totally get the drive to be really fit. But I also think it’s eating delicious things is too amazing to pass up.” Susie giggles as I wave to the chopping board, which has been completely ravaged. “And we clearly did not get enough prosciutto. Next time we’ll need to get more.”

She grins and nods, then picks up my Apple TV remote. “Now, what movie are we watching tonight?”

And that is how Susie and I learn about our shared obsession with Rob Lowe.