I just think you also need someone who will show you how fun life can be.

I think all the qualities you want in a guy are … nice. They want someone who will stomp around in the mud with them and let them stay up late and eat junk food when you’re not home. They have you to be their good role model. “Why the hell would you want that guy? He sounds like a total buzzkill.” His head snapped back up, and he looked bewildered. He didn’t answer, he just dropped his head into his arms and pretended to snore, loudly. “Well … he has to be responsible, stable, grounded…”īrody’s face was unreadable, as though he couldn’t compute what I had just said. I pulled out the other stool and followed suit. He pulled the stool out, sat down and leaned in closer, anxious to hear what I was going to say next. We’ll get back to that-right now, though, I’m dying to know these qualities you’re looking for.” I’m dragging two innocent little girls along on this ride, so I definitely have a pretty solid idea of what I want in a partner.” I’m pretty picky about who I go out with.” “I’ve dated a little here and there, nothing serious. Talking to Brody and looking into his sincere, green eyes was comfortable, like I had been friends with him for years. I quickly thought about yawning or faking a sudden headache and going off to bed, but what I did next surprised even me. “So, that was like four years ago, right? Have you dated since?” I didn’t have time to respond before he continued his inquiry into my past. It had been a long time since a man had complimented me, and never someone as good-looking as Brody. His comment embarrassed me slightly, but also made my heart soar. “Wow, he left you?” He looked at me incredulously, shaking his head. I don’t even know where he is,” I blurted out, one sentence right after the other. He left right before their first birthday. I took a deep breath and decided to go for it, hoping talking about my past, just a little, would feel therapeutic, not painful. I felt bad for being so standoffish and wondered if maybe talking to someone who I didn’t have to see again would make me feel better. I looked back up at him and my stone heart cracked just a little bit at his adorable awkwardness as he tried to backpedal.

Room for You by Beth Ehemann