Chapter 43 (2/2)

“I’m not saying you can’t date,” she says.

I sit down on the arm of the couch farther away from her.

“Just not so soon. I’m not ready for you to date,” she adds, and takes a long drink of water.

Soon?It’s been six months.

I can tell by her expression that Dakota’s completely serious, and I don’t know if I should call her out on it, or just let it blow over. She’s pretty drunk, and I know how stressed she’s been lately with her academy and all. I’m smart enough to pick and choose my battles, and I don’t feel strongly enough about this one to let it snowball into a full-fledged war.

What she’s asking of me isn’t remotely fair, and I’m frustrated by how easily I’ve let myself slide into this passive role again. I’m enabling her . . . but is it really that bad? We are communicating. No one is yelling. No one is losing their cool. I want to keep this going. If she’s handing out secrets, I’ll take a few.

“And when will you be ready for me to date?” I ask softly.

She sits up straight, immediately defensive. I knew she would be. I stare at her, my eyes telling her that there’s nothing to be upset about, we’re only talking. No judging here.

Her shoulders relax.

“I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it.” She shrugs. “I assumed it would take you longer to get over me.”

“Get over you?” I ask, worried for this woman’s sanity. What would have given her the assumption that I could get over her? My kiss with Nora? It’s not like this girl before me even gave me a choice about getting over her.