Page 106 of Just for the Plot

His lips purse as he thinks about it. “What would yours be? Help me out.”

Seeing that he’s actually genuine about it, I say, “Well, I really have started to love to read, so maybe I’d focus on that, bringing the love of reading to kids, helping out those who don’t have access to books or might not know how to read.”

He slowly nods. “That’s actually a pretty cool idea.”

I smile softly from the compliment. I mean, he has his moments where I can see a glimmer of hope for there to be something between us, and maybe that’s why I keep holding on.

“So, what would you do?”

“I like animals.” He shrugs. “Maybe something with them.”

“There you go.” I gesture toward him. “Maybe you should have been the one doing the zoo stuff and not Graydon.”

He chuckles. “You are so right about that. Maybe I can trade positions.”

“Would you?” I ask, curious.

“I would, but I don’t see him giving up time with the flamingo girl. Plus, it would be cool to have my own thing.”

“Are you really thinking about it?” I ask.

“Yeah, I probably should.” He shifts in his seat. “My mom would have liked me to do something like that.”

“Would have?” I ask. “Sorry if this is insensitive, but has she passed?”

“Yeah, a few years ago. Suffered from a blood clot bursting in her cranium. We tried to save her, but it was too late.”

“Cougar.” I reach across the table. “I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks, but she was big into animals. It’s where I got my love for them, and well, she’d probably like to see me doing something in that realm.”

“I think that would be so beautiful.”

“She really liked the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.”

“What’s that?” I love seeing this different side of him, where he’s clearly lowering his walls, talking about his mom and animals. It’s endearing, human…real.

“An orphaned elephant and wildlife rehabilitation center in East Africa. I should reach out to them, see if they need anything.”

“Now that would be a great way to spend your off time.”

“Well, besides with you.” He winks.

With a flicker of amusement, I say, “Yes, besides with me.”

I check the mirror one more time, tamping down some wild hairs thatseem to want to frizz out on the crown of my head, and then adjust my top.

I chose to wear a pair of wide-leg black trousers and a black backless long-sleeved top that shows off maybe an inch of my stomach. If my pants were high-rise, I wouldn’t be showing any skin but my back, but this is fine. It’s chic.

I paired the outfit with some three-inch leopard-print heels and a black clutch. My hair is curled in waves and pinned down tightly, framing my face, but then loose in the back. Pleased, I head to Bennett’s apartment, not bothering with the elevator, but taking the stairs instead.

After my date, I updated Gabby about how it all went and how there was maybe a slight hint of interest on my end when I learned that he was, in fact, not all douchebag.

But the smallest of hints.

Of course Gabby took that as we’re getting married and gushed for a solid ten minutes while I curled my hair.

Married, no.