Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
ZOE
We arrived at O’Malley’s Pub just in time to snag the last two-seater by the back windows overlooking the recently updated outdoor dining patio.
Space heaters, large electric candles, flameless pillars and clear plastic igloos were scattered throughout the space for small groups or a couple looking for more privacy or a unique dining experience.
“What do these twenty-somethings know about love? Relationships? Hell, I’d bet half my paycheck some of even the thirty-plus year olds in here are as clueless as a teenager on their first date when it comes to knowing what they want.
” Astrid swept her arm out, indicating the younger than usual crowd packing the popular sports bar and restaurant.
“Hey, we’re thirty-somethings,” I reminded her.
Although we were both definitely on the cusp of our forties, but still I liked to think I had a handle on what I wanted and what I didn’t.
Especially in a relationship. Which I avoided more fervently than pretending I wasn’t home when one of those window salesmen canvassed my neighborhood.
I had to change the subject. And I couldn't care less about the love lives of people I’d never met. I wasn’t sure about Astrid’s sudden fascination either. “So, do you want me to date your brother, or what? Is that what dragging me to his place was really all about?”
“He was totally into you.” Astrid grinned.
“How could you tell? His expression barely changed the entire time we were there.” After we’d left her brother’s cabin, I pondered over what it would take to get the sexy yet stoic mountain man to smile. It might have been a challenge I was up for if he weren’t related to one of my students.
“I wasn’t going to tell you, but Josh texted me that he caught Baz checking out your bu…erm, backside.”
“Yeah, well, it’s kinda hard to miss.” I mumbled. “And why wouldn’t you tell me?”
“Stop it. You’re too hard on yourself, and we all think we’re bigger than we really are.
Years of advertisement, and impossible beauty standards have really done a number on us.
And one thing I’ve learned since surviving my twenties, men like curves, Zoe.
They don’t care about cellulite or the size on our clothing tags.
” Astrid sipped her beer and then looked around the pub, a twinkle in her eye.
I immediately knew that spelled trouble.
“Maybe I should take a poll. There’s a group of single men at the bar.” She grinned then made to leave the booth. I grabbed her wrist to hold her in place and let out a nervous laugh. She was fearless and would totally do it.
“Sit down.” I implored. “It’s just… having a guy’s sister, and one who is a close friend by the way, mention how he checked out my ass, is well…weird.”
“Yeah. I get that. But I care about my brother, and you. He’s been alone too long. And you have this hangup about relationships. C’mon, you can’t deny that there were sparks bouncing all over the place between you two. I’m positive you guys would really be good together.”
“And you can tell that after just one interaction, huh?” I tried to keep any hint of excitement out of my voice. I mean, I’d spent less than five minutes in his presence. How could I have such an intense reaction to someone I just met?
“Yes, I can. I’m great at getting people together. Unfortunately, I suck at choosing the right guy for myself. But we’re not talking about me.” Astrid sighed heavily.
Her ex pretended that his son didn’t exist, and even I could admit that my parents' divorce and my mom’s emotional distance had informed my attitude toward long-term relationships, marriage and even having kids.
Astrid had hoped to have more kids, while I was fine with my decision not to have them.
I loved kids, loved my students, but I’d decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t have them just because it was expected of me.
I never wanted to put a child through what my sister, brothers and I went through with a mom who thought she wanted kids.
Then, once she did, she’d done everything she could not to be around us.
I would be happy spoiling any nieces and nephews that my siblings ended up having.
Although none of them were in serious relationships.
We were all in our thirties, and our dad was more than ready to become a grandpa, so much so that he’d joke he’d give the first kid to give him a grandchild a cash bonus.
Even that offer hadn’t moved the needle, and as far as I knew, my sister Berkley wasn’t in a hurry to fulfill our dad’s request either.
She was the youngest, so she still had time—well, more than me if I ever changed my mind.
In fact, I was upfront with any man I’ve dated over the last ten years about what I wanted and didn’t want in a relationship.
If they weren’t on board, no hard feelings.
I’d learned that the hard way. Once, when I was on a second date, a man accused me of playing with his feelings. So, ever since that early drama, I was upfront as soon as possible over giving in to attraction.
But what Astrid didn’t realize is that she’d given me an idea. About her love life. She deserved a good guy, a great guy. And she wanted the opposite of what I was looking for. She wanted another shot at happily ever after. And if anyone deserved it, it was Astrid.
I’d have to think hard if any of the single male teachers I knew might be good enough for her. I’ve never set anyone up before, so I wasn’t sure if I would be any good at it. And if things didn’t work out, I’d feel horrible. Maybe I’d wait a bit until undeniably perfect for my friend showed up.
“Okay, you ready?” Astrid pointed at our empty glasses. We each had limited ourselves to just one beer, and we’d nursed those for the last ninety minutes as we ate our meal.
“Yes. How about you? We could leave your car here tonight, and I’ll just be grading papers and working on the play to get the timing down before rehearsals begin.
Which reminds me, and I know you already said not to worry, but are you sure your brother is okay with playing Santa?
He has only two brief scenes, and I could even cut a line or—”
“No worries, Zoe. His word is his bond, or whatever that saying is. He’ll do it. He may grumble, but he won’t dare disappoint his nephew or you. And Baz loves a challenge.”
“Are you telling me I’m hard to deal with?”
“Nope. You’re easy to deal with. Unless you happen to be a man who wants your attention.” Astrid said dryly.
I mean, she’s not wrong. My type has always been more long-distance than the guy down the block.
It just made things easier when the relationship eventually played out.
I wasn’t looking for forever, just right now when it came to the opposite sex and sex for that matter.
But I hadn’t explained any of this to Astrid since I’ve been back in Pineville.
How was I going to convince her that I didn’t need her help to find a man?