Anastasia Chapter 2 #2
I wanted to disagree, but I did as he demanded.
I knew if I didn’t, it would be more unbearable.
I could survive one evening making up a pleasant, fake conversation.
God knows, I’d done it before. Plastering on my best, barely smiling expression, I turned and went back to them.
However, I didn’t sit on the loveseat next to Sam.
Instead, I sat in what was usually Mom’s chair.
I noticed how the men in my family tightened their mouths. I pretended not to notice.
“So Sam, I assume you’re a lawyer like Arish,” I stated.
“Yes, I am. My father always wanted me to become one. I was lucky to get into the same firm as Arish. I understand you’re a chiropractor,” he said pleasantly.
“I am. I’ve always wanted to be one since I was a child.”
“May I ask what makes a child think of being a chiropractor? Don’t most kids dream of being a doctor, an astronaut, a mermaid, or a professional athlete?” he asked, grinning.
I let my mirth escape. “Yeah, most do, but I was an odd child. When I was young, I required the services of a chiropractor. When I discovered how much that kind of care helped, I knew I wanted to be able to help people in the same way.”
“I don’t think that’s odd at all. It’s admirable. And to stick to it is even more laudable. I didn’t decide to become a lawyer until my second year of college. How old were you when you decided?”
“Ten years old,” I replied.
“Wow, okay, I really was a slow decider,” Sam joked.
The evening passed, and I hated to admit it, but Sam turned out to be way nicer and easier to talk to than anyone my family had ever introduced me to.
I ignored their smug expressions. When Sam called it a night, he asked if I’d walk him out to his car.
Only half reluctantly did I agree. I felt my family’s eyes boring into our backs.
When we reached his car, Sam stopped and faced me.
“Anastasia, I really enjoyed tonight. And I’d like to be honest. Your brother invited me here to meet you.
I guessed what he was up to the moment he mentioned he had a single sister.
I thought about backing out. I know what it’s like when your family tries to hook you up with someone they think is appropriate.
Mine have been doing it for the past ten years.
“I like Arish, but he’s rather rigid when it comes to being a traditional Indian male.
My family is kinda the same. That said, I want to tell you that I’m thrilled I came and met you.
I like you. I’d like to call you sometime to see if we can grab coffee or maybe a meal.
However, I won’t pressure you if you don’t want to.
The last thing I ever want is to pressure you or anyone into spending time with me to meet someone else’s wishes.
I can leave it at thank you so much for a lovely evening, if you prefer. ”
His faint smile and the relaxed way he said it told me that he meant what he said. And I couldn’t discount the way we’d gotten along.
“Sam, I had a great time, too. You surprised me. My family has done this to me so many times I’ve lost count.
You guessed it. They’re traditional, and I’m twenty-eight without a husband or kids.
I love my career and didn’t go to college just to make myself more catch-worthy like my sisters or sister-in-law did.
Even if I do marry and have children, I have no intention of giving up my profession.
My family wants to believe that’ll change. It won’t.
“But I did enjoy myself, which is unusual. I wouldn’t mind exchanging phone numbers and meeting up for coffee sometime. As long as it’s understood that I’m not committing to anything,” I rushed to clarify.
His smile broadened as he nodded. “I can agree to that. Do you have your phone on you?”
It took us a minute to get each other’s numbers. He squeezed my hand before getting into his car and driving away. I waited until he was out of sight before returning inside. I was met by everyone staring at me. Before anyone could say anything, I warned them.
“Don’t say it. Yes, he’s nice. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to go out with him, much less marry him.”
“He’s handsome, successful, and comes from the same background as us. You and he got along well. I’ve seen marriages start with far less and become successful,” Dad stated.
“Maybe, but I want more than someone I become tolerant of. I want to love my husband. And whoever I end up with will have to be okay with the fact I won’t stop working to be a stay-at-home mom and wife.”
I’d told them this countless times, but I said it again anyway.
Dad waved his hand dismissively. Arish rolled his eyes.
My sisters and Hema sighed and shook their heads.
My brothers-in-law clicked their tongues at me.
The only one who said nothing and gave no indication she was on their side was Mom. She remained neutral.
After listening to them try to persuade me for ten minutes, I called it quits.
I went to spend time with the kids in the playroom before I called it a night.
Forty-five minutes later, as the children were told it was time to get ready for bed or head home, I said my goodnights, gave hugs and kisses, and then escaped to my car.
The drive back to my place passed as I wondered if Sam might be what I’d been waiting for.
It was hard to tell after only one meeting, but I was willing to see him again and see what would happen.
?
I sat across from Sam. This was our second meeting since last Friday’s dinner.
On Tuesday, he called and asked if I wanted to meet him for coffee.
I had an opening from ten to eleven that day.
Since my schedule was tighter than his, he asked what I wanted to drink.
I gave him my order, and he brought it to my office.
We sat outside at one of the tables set up for people to enjoy their breaks or meals when the weather was nice.
It was a communal space shared with the offices surrounding mine.
It was the end of April, so the weather was warmer more days than not.
A light jacket was more than enough to keep warm with the sun out.
Today was Friday. I had a bigger break, and Sam had finished in court early, so we'd agreed to grab a late lunch. If I hadn’t had two appointments rescheduled unexpectedly, it wouldn’t have been possible.
With more time, we met at a nearby café.
We sat indoors at a table next to one of the large windows.
It was a burger place. I was pleasantly surprised he chose this restaurant.
Whenever I went out with men from my dad’s cultural background, they always assumed I wanted to go to an Indian restaurant.
While I loved the food I grew up with, I also adored eating other ethnic foods, too.
Anytime I’d mentioned that to a date, I’d gotten a slightly surprised, disapproving expression.
I knew not everyone was that way, just the ones my family pushed at me.
“I’m so glad you agreed to meet me here. I’ll be honest, I’m dying for a greasy burger,” Sam said.
“Lord, me too. Thank you for calling and suggesting it. I haven’t tried this place out. Have you?” I asked.
“I have a confession to make. I come here at least once a week. Only willpower keeps me away daily,” he admitted.
I laughed. “I love your honesty. I’m the same way with ice cream. If I didn't have to remain healthy and watch my weight, I’d eat it every day,” I confessed.
“Same here on the health front. And not to make anything awkward, but you have nothing to worry about on the weight side. You’re beautiful, Anastasia.”
His joking demeanor changed to a serious one. I felt my cheeks flush.
“I, well, thank you. I confess that working out isn’t one of my preferred things to do to stay fit.”
I diverted to the gym because compliments flustered me.
“I enjoy working out. It helps me de-stress,” Sam said.
I waited to respond until the waitress, who came to the table with our drinks, had offloaded them and taken our food orders, then left. As soon as she was gone, I replied.
“Yoga is more my thing. It’s a good de-stressor. And Sam, the gym keeps your body looking amazing.”
He appeared to like the compliment. He dipped his head to me in recognition. We went on to discuss our workouts, favorite foods, and what we liked to do in our spare time. It was a continuation of our coffee date earlier in the week.
Our food arrived quickly, and the first bite told me I’d be back. I told Sam this, which made him smirk. We chatted between bites. In no time, it was time for me to get back to the office. I had more patients to see. When the check came, he grabbed it before I did.
“Tell me my total,” I said, opening my purse.
“No way. I asked you to lunch. I pay. And you can argue with me all you want, but I won’t change my mind.”