Page 43 of The Disasters of Dating (Love Connections #6)

He opens my door and helps me into the car. Then he settles in behind the wheel. “So, how did the talk go with your mom?”

My shoulder lifts. “As good as could be expected, I guess.”

“And how are you feeling about it?”

I sigh. “Fine, I guess. I mean, I think it’s going to take some time to get over the lying. I get why she did it, but it’s still going to be hard to get over, you know? I still feel betrayed.”

His body stiffens slightly, and he nods. “I get that. There is a level of trust that will have to be built back up again.”

“Yes,” I say slightly louder than I intend.

“My mom couldn’t seem to understand that.

She says the only lies she told were concerning Adam.

And now that it’s out in the open, she has no reason to lie.

” I frown. “But she doesn’t understand that in the back of my mind I’ll still be wondering if she lied about Adam, what else would she lie about? I’m not okay with lying.”

“Yeah,” he clears his throat. “It changes relationships. Whether you mean for it to happen or not. It just does.” Keaton is watching the road intently, his hands white knuckling the steering wheel.

I wonder if he’s had a similar experience with someone lying to him and that’s what’s causing his reaction.

I mean, I know he likes me, but I can’t imagine he’s that mad on my behalf. Or is he?

He doesn’t say anything for a few minutes.

“How’s work?” I ask. Maybe this will be the lead in that I need to give him the bracelet.

“Good. Busy. There’s a bunch of stuff happening that is all very time sensitive.” He glances at me.

I bite my lip and pull the bracelet out of my pocket.

“I made something for you.” He looks over at me again, and I backpedal.

“I mean, I know it’s probably not your style.

And you don’t have to wear it. I made it so you could hook it onto your key ring, if you want.

Then you can keep it in your pocket.” I shake my head and frown.

“Or you can just throw it into a drawer or something. I think that’s what most people do with the things I make them.

” I’m rubbing my fingers over the crystals without realizing it.

Keaton reaches over and pulls the bracelet from my hand. “What is this?’

I swallow. My throat is so dry. I point to the yellow crystal. “That is citrine. It promotes prosperity, abundance, and success. It should help increase sales and attract financial luck.”

He nods. “A great stone for business.”

I smile, a little bit more confident in my decision to give it to him.

“What are these other two?”

“That one’s Green Aventurine. It’s called the stone of opportunity.

It should bring you luck, new opportunities, and financial gain.

It’s great for interviews and brings new business opportunities.

” I point to the last one. “And that’s Tiger’s eye.

It will enhance the other two stones’ power.

..makes them stronger.” I nod. Okay. I did it. I gave him the bracelet.

We stop at a red light, and he slips it over his hand. “How do I tighten it?”

I lean over and pull on the cord so it fits snugly on his wrist .

He looks down at me. “Thank you. This was super thoughtful.” He leans down and kisses me. But it’s interrupted by a car horn behind us. The light is green.

I sit back, a little self-conscious. “So what made you choose this area instead of down by where you work?” I ask.

He glances over, and his shoulders and hands relax. The steering wheel can thank me later. “I seem to spend more time up this way.” He smiles at me.

I clear my throat. “Listen, I’m not sure where this is going, but I don’t think you should get an apartment based on what we do together.

” I lick my lips and hold my breath. I hadn’t intended to have this conversation right now, but I think it needs to be said.

After all, hadn’t I planned on ending things today, anyway?

I frown at that thought. I don’t want to break up with him.

But then I’m not sure what I want at this point.

“I mean, I start school next week, and once school starts and I’m back working my regular schedule, I’m not sure how much time I’ll have?—”

He reaches out and takes my hand. Giving it a squeeze, he gives me a small grin.

“Hey, calm down. I didn’t pick this location only because of you.

Yes, it’s a factor. But not the only one.

My brother and Shay are building a house in Herriman.

They’ll be moving here in January. It will be nice to be closer to them.

Plus, there are so many things to do in this area.

I’ve been considering getting season tickets to the Bee’s games next season.

And maybe one of the theaters downtown.” He twists his hand back and forth on the steering wheel.

“I guess I’m more of a city kind of guy. ”

I look over at him. “Then you’re sure to be disappointed.” I give a slight grimace. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love Salt Lake. But if you’re looking for something to replace Boston, Salt Lake probably won’t do it for you.”

He shakes his head. “I’m not that kind of city guy.”

I lift a brow. “There’s more than one kind?”

“Kind of,” he looks toward the roof of his car. “I’m not looking to replace Boston. I’m replacing Manchester, New Hampshire. And it’s even smaller than Salt Lake.” He glances over at me. “I guess I’m a middle-sized city kind of guy.”

I tip my head to the side. “But don’t you work in Boston?”

He shrugs. “Charlestown, actually. It’s on the outskirts of Boston.

I rarely go downtown. It’s too crowded and crazy.

Salt Lake is perfect. The ski resorts are only thirty minutes away.

Same with great hiking. It has a ballet and a symphony.

There’s a great mass transit system and there’s pro basketball, soccer, and hockey teams. And it has great college football and basketball?—”

“Eh…” I wince. “The U hasn’t had a great basketball team since the 1900’s.”

He scoffs. “Barely nineteen hundreds. They went to the NCAA Championships in ’98,” He says with a raised brow.

“Man, what’s happened to you? It’s almost like you grew up here.” I smile.

He lifts a shoulder. “I’ve been a Utes fan for a while.”

“Still, BYU has been doing better recently.”

He nods. “And if I want to take advantage of that, it’s not a bad drive from Herriman. It is the best location. It’s right in between everything.” He squeezes my hand again. “So you don’t need to worry that I’m only doing it for you.”

I raise both my brows. “Yeah, I can see I’m likely far down the list.” I’m both relieved and hurt.

I guess part of me wanted him to be moving here for me.

That would tell me where I fit into his life, right?

But do I want to know? It seems like that information will only add more stress to the decision I’m already having difficulty making.

I know he’s a good guy. Paisleigh spent half an hour singing his praises.

But there’s something holding me back. And my horoscope has yet to enlighten me as to what it is. Sigh.

“Hey, I didn’t give my list based on order of importance.” Keaton defends.

Maybe I hadn’t only thought my sigh.

I smile so he doesn’t think it’s him. I mean, it is him, but not for the reasons he thinks. “Herriman is a great area.”

We pull into the parking lot of a newer apartment complex. He comes around and opens my door. Grabbing my hand, he shuts the door behind me. “Ready?”

I nod. “I’m just along for the ride. I’ve got no skin in this game.”

His brow creases slightly but then smooths out again. “Well, I wouldn’t say that. On the odd occasion we can hang out once you start school and work, I want you to feel comfortable.”

Maybe my horoscope wasn’t only referring to my mom having a ‘me first’ attitude. Although I’m not sure whether it’s Keaton or me who’s having the attitude.

I give his hand a tug. “Okay. Well, let’s see what they have to offer.”