“We?” Ellie shot the other woman a look. “Who’s this ‘we’ you’re referring to? And I date, sure. But that doesn’t make me ahabitualdater.”
There was a difference. Right?
She set her glass down and settled back into her chair. In truth, it wasn't the worst thing she’d been called. Not by a long shot. Of course, it also wasn’t exactly the most flattering, either.
“Seriously, El.” Natalie glanced back over at her. “Is it the commitment part that scares you, or just relationships in general?”
The woman’s question wasn’t flippant or sarcastic in the least. In fact, the sweet accountant seemed genuinely intrigued by Ellie’s apparent lack of interest where serious relationships were concerned.
Still, Ellie couldn’t seem to keep her voice from involuntarily rising a smidge as she blurted back, “Who said anything about being scared?”She’s spot on, you know?She cleared her throat and regained her composure. Once she felt confident in her ability to control her tone, she added, “I know what the two of you are doing, and it isn’t going to work.”
Saved by a perfectly timed interruption, the young man who’d waited on them chose that moment to return with the check. Already prepared for the transaction, Ellie snatched up the check and handed it and her credit card to their server.
“I’ll be right back with your card and receipt.” He walked away with a smile.
“You sure about that?” Cassie teased, wasting no time continuing their previous conversation. “I mean, are youreallysure it’s not going to work?”
“Very.” She didn’t hesitate. “Listen, I get that the two of you have foundThe Oneand all, but that whole long-term, ‘till death do us part scenario just really isn’t my thing.”
It could be, if you’d…you know…take a chance and finally let someone in.
“You mean trueloveisn’t your thing.” Natalie sounded more than a little disappointed. “Come on, El. That can’t be true. Love iseveryone’sthing.”
Not mine, apparently.
Casual.
No-strings.
No commitment.
Thosewere Ellie’s things because they were easy. Neat. And they left little chance of getting hurt.
Ever-lasting love and making a life with someone…that shit was hard. Messy, even. And it came with complications she didn’t have the time, patience, or desire to deal with.
“Just because I’m not looking for anything long-term, that doesn’t mean I’m scared.”Except that I am.“And I’m sorry to burst those hopeless romantic bubbles you two live in, but not every woman wants the whole marriage, kids, and picket-fence dream.”
“Hey, now.” Cassie frowned. “We aren’t hopeless romantics. Isn’t that right, Natalie?”
“That’s right.” The other brunette at the table nodded, adding an emphasized, “We’re hopefulromantics, which means we’re full of hope that, someday, you’ll find the same sort of happiness Cass and I have. That’s all.”
The same pang of jealousy stabbed deep, but she schooled her expression and kept her smile in place. “I’m perfectly happy with the way my life is, thank you very much.”
And whywouldn’tshe be happy? She ran a successful business, was one of Seattle’s most sought-after defense attorneys, had an upscale apartment, her car was paid for, andshe had enough money in the bank to support her for several years…at least.
Of course, when you were single with no one to take care of but yourself and a tank of saltwater fish, it didn’t take long for a nest egg to grow.
Not much point in growing a nest when there’s no one to share it with.
Resting a gentle hand on Ellie’s shoulder, Natalie’s brown gaze softened as she said, “I think the question you need to ask yourself is whether you're truly happy or simply…content. And trust me when I say there’s a difference.”
The server returned, and Ellie was more than happy to scribble her signature on the receipt and send him on his way. Sliding her credit card back into her wallet, she dropped the folded leather into her purse, pulled out her car keys, and looked back at her friends.
“I appreciate the concern you both seem to share in regard to my love life, but I can assure you, I’m doing just fine in that department.”Lies. All lies.“And, as much as I’d love to continue this conversation, I have to get on the road so I’m not late for court. I got a call on the way here, and the jury in that case I’ve been trying down in Tacoma is expected to come back within a few hours.” She rose to her feet, grabbing her purse and jacket from where they hung on the back of her chair. “Which means I need to head that way now, so I’m ready when they call us in.”
“Oh, that’s right!” Cassie followed suit and stood. “I almost forgot you were still on that one. How’s it feel to be fighting for the other side again?”
“The other side?” Natalie inquired as she slid her arms into her olive green coat.