Chapter One #2
Simone laughed, then covered her mouth when she realized I wasn’t amused.
“He didn’t write ‘really’ three times! Jeez, is that the pathetic vibe I give off?” I wondered, not sure I wanted to hear the answer.
“Hey! Can I get some service over here?” The patron who had raised his hand earlier to grab Keller’s attention was waving it now. “Does anyone work in this place, or are you all paid to stand around chit-chatting?”
Keller rolled his eyes. “Good old cranky-pants Sampson. I already know he’s going to ask for more salad dressing on the side. He always does.”
“If you already know what he wants every time, why not just bring it to him to begin with?” I asked.
Keller ruffled easily. He always had. His face reddened.
“Great idea, Mr. Walker. Thanks for that brilliant advice. Too bad I’m so stupid I never thought of it.
” He huffed. “Clem won’t let us bring anything extra unless a customer asks for it.
He doesn’t want us to waste food.” Clem owned the diner and managed the staff.
“That’s true,” Simone said in support before turning to her co-worker.
“But, sweetie, in the case of Mr. Sampson, just bend the rules and save yourself the headache. If Clem gives you grief about it, I’ll support you.
I’m sure he’d rather keep a longtime customer than lose him over a side of salad dressing. ”
“Hello? Keller? Am I talking to myself here?” Mr. Sampson yelled.
“Since everyone in town knows Sampson’s delulu, it wouldn’t surprise me,” Keller muttered under his breath before turning the patron’s way with a forced smile.
“More dressing, Mr. Sampson?” The man nodded.
“I’ll get that for you right away.” Keller returned his gaze to us with a smirk.
“Is tomorrow still good to come over so we can review my web design ideas?”
“Sure. And, I’m sorry if you thought I was insulting your intelligence before.
” Keller had confessed months earlier that he thought I’d viewed him as a dummy when he had been my student.
His impression had stemmed from my misguided belief, at the time, that trading barbs with him could win him over.
After learning how he had felt, I’d apologized and assured him that I thought he was very bright.
I guessed there were still times, though, that Keller wondered whether I had meant it.
“Keller, I’m proud of the grades you’re earning in your college classes.
You’re proving me right when I said you’re a smart guy. ”
Keller grinned. “Thanks. Can I bring Henry over, too? Mitch needs to go into work tomorrow, and I hate leaving Henry alone.”
Keller had bonded with Henry the cat at a pet shelter before Mitch had adopted him as a surprise gift.
He was an unfortunate looking beast—ragged and missing an eye.
But he was affectionate, playful, and adored Keller.
“Fine. Bring his scratching post, though. It seems to deter him from destroying things.”
“He’s just lulling you into believing that.
He’ll find the perfect moment to rip your most expensive upholstery,” Keller replied.
His expression was serious, and it made me wonder if he had some surreal insight into cats’ minds.
Or worse, he could control their actions to wreak havoc on former teachers who had pissed him off. “See ya tomorrow.”
“Why do I have the feeling Mitch’s new family will put him in an early grave?” I mused out loud once Keller had walked away.
Simone laughed. “Or Keller will keep Mitch young and spry. You know that boy is grit and vinegar on the outside, and all sweet and squishy on the inside.”
“Is he? I’ll take your word for it,” I quipped.
“I don’t think Mitch would be planning a getaway to propose marriage if it weren’t the case,” she replied. The corner of her mouth quirked up a bit.
“He what? Seriously?”
She nodded.
“Does Keller know?”
She rolled her eyes. “No, Mr. Clueless when it comes to romance. Of course he doesn’t. And I’m trusting you to remain quiet about it.”
“You mean like you just did?” I asked. It was hard to picture Keller settling down for good. “Do you think Keller will say yes?”
Simone chuckled. “You and Adam are so alike. Confident on the outside, but self-doubting all the same. Always assuming someone is ready to yank your heart out. Adam made Myles wait too long to hear the words ‘I love you’ because he feared it wouldn’t be returned.
Thank God that didn’t blow up on him. You’re the same way.
I think there’s a part of you that would rather avoid pursuing someone than be rejected. ”
“How did you wander off topic? That didn’t answer my question.”
Simone put her hands on her hips. “Yes, Keller will accept the proposal. My point was, Adam has grown, but you could still learn a thing or two from Mitch. He hasn’t held back with Keller.
He hasn’t feared rushing things, and he took the risk of expressing his feelings.
That’s what Keller needed—the security of knowing Mitch won’t be another person who walks away or deems him not good enough.
Thanks to Mitch, Keller now believes he deserves that love. ”
“Of course he does,” I said.
“So do you, Cliff. There’s nothing wrong with being single, but I don’t buy that’s what you want.
I’ve watched you when you hang out with me and Ezra, or when we’re together with you and the guys.
I know you’re happy for us, but there’s a part of you that looks lonely, too.
The problem is there aren’t a ton of available men in White Pines who are into other men.
If you want to stay here, and I sure hope you do, then the show would bring potential suitors to you. ”
I sighed. “I mean, a relationship might be nice, if it’s the right guy and everything.”
She tilted her head in contemplation. “What’s the harm in trying this out?
Stop worrying about how everyone else perceives you, and maybe you’d have fun.
If none of the contestants appeals to you, then you’re no worse off than you are now.
Starring as the bachelor won’t require you choosing someone. ”
“The show is called His Choice,” I reminded her. “I beg to differ.”
“No, your decision could be to pass on everyone. I’ve seen these types of dating reality shows. It’s happened where nobody connects at the end. But that’s your choice, of course.” She giggled. “No pun intended.”
I exhaled in defeat. “If I say no, I’d embarrass my mother after she’s told everyone I’m doing this. Knowing her, that was probably her strategy. I have a strong sense of guilt, and she preys on it.”
“It’s possible,” Simone replied with a shrug.
“Listen, if you say no to His Choice, it won’t just be your mom and Flynt who are disappointed.
Excitement has been building in town for a while now.
Sure, folks think it could bring in business, but they’re invested in you, too.
You’re very well-liked, Cliff. But if you really don’t want to do the program, say no.
Just be sure you won’t regret turning down a chance at finding love.
” She swung the dishtowel over her shoulder.
“Break time is over. I need to get back to helping Keller. Grab a seat by the air-conditioning vent where it’s cooler. I’ll come take your order in a minute.”
I found an empty table, sat, and rubbed a hand over my jaw.
Despite Simone’s advice, part of me leaned toward signing the contract just to please the people of White Pines.
Caring too much about others liking me had always been a weakness of mine.
It was what had made me less effective as a teacher, and it was the reason I spent time trying to make others happy instead of myself.
I was glad for my friends’ joy, but it reminded me that I was missing what they had, just as Simone had said.
She had also been right that I spent too much time worrying about what could go wrong, and not what might go right. Even a small chance that His Choice would introduce me to a great guy made it worth a shot. If the man turned out to be a nursing home director from Hawaii, all the better.