“Oh really. Like what?” she asked, clearly skeptical.
“Well, he talked about how they have a generous state benefit for stay-at-home moms there.”
Dot suddenly set down her fork and stared at him, unbelieving of what he’d just said. “Is that what youwantfor your future wife?”
“Isn’t that whatmostwomen want?” he asked, slightly mocking her. “To be able to relax and raise the kids, not have to worry about anything.”
“Oh Ryan... you think raising children is relaxing? My gosh, you sound like... like...”
“Okay, forget I said anything.” He tried to surrender but the damage was done.
But Dot could not forget. “You sound like aRepublican.”
THE MOOD SOUREDand they ate quickly as the rest of their conversation took a turn to the terse.
Leaving Joanne, Ryan fell into step with Dot toward the Buckley. As they got closer, Ryan grabbed her hand. She tensed.
“Can I come upstairs?” He searched her eyes, but she looked away.
“I don’t think so, Ryan. Not tonight. I’m sorry.”
“Look. I won’t vote for him. I promise!” He tried to lighten the moment. “Come here.”
He leaned down for a kiss, but she turned her head. He brought her head into his chest. He smelled so good. But she stayed rigid and wouldn’t relax into him.
She gently pulled away.
“Good night, Ryan.”
Reluctantly, he let go of her. “Look, I’m not sure what’s changed. But I won’t push it,” he said. “Good night, Dot.”
He stood and watched her head in as Albert opened the door for her.
“Mr. Montgomery. A pleasure to see you as always,” Albert said, being discreet as usual.
“You too, Albert.”
Dot peeked back to see Ryan standing outside, watching the door close, no doubt wondering what was wrong with her. After a few moments, he turned and headed down Central Park West to catch the train back to his apartment.
She started up the stairs, but then suddenly, she was back out the door of the Buckley and running down the street.
Just as Ryan was heading down the subway station’s stairs, she called his name.
“Ryan!” She was sprinting in her flats and her hair had come out of its knot.
“Dot?”
“Ryan, I... I can’t do this,” she panted, trying to catch her breath.
“You can’t do what?”
“You’re a great guy. And you’ll be perfect for someone someday. But that someone.... that someone is not going to be me.”
She met his eyes and held them.
“Dot, come on, you can’t be serious. Is this because I said I’d vote for the governor of Virginia?” he scoffed. “That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s not just that. It’s been building for a while. I think we were initially a good match—the apps figured that out. But algorithms don’t know our hearts and our dreams. And I just think we want very different things out of life. I’m sorry, Ryan.”