The Red Rose by J.L. Jarvis

Author:J.L. Jarvis [Jarvis, J.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781942767596
Publisher: Bookbinder Press

Eleven

Esme and Connor watched Olivia leave, then they exchanged a look. Esme whispered, “That didn’t go well, from the looks of it.”

Connor shook his head. “Relationships.”

“They’re not always easy.”

Connor raised his eyebrows. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never really had one.”

Esme suppressed her shock.

He looked at her as though he’d heard her thoughts. “It’s not like I set out to be a dating loser.”

“You’re not!”

“Please. I am fully aware of what I am.”

“And what’s that?”

“A nerd. No, don’t try to argue the point.”

“But you’re not a nerd or a loser! You’re amazing—” She stopped just short of revealing her feelings then lowered her voice. “You’re an amazing guy.”

“Yeah, that’s what my dates all say before they tell me it’s not working out.”

Her eyes softened. “Dating’s hard—so I’ve heard. I haven’t been on one lately.”

“You could try the dating app I use.”

Esme grimaced. “I’m not a dating app type.”

Connor shrugged. “If it weren’t for dating apps, I wouldn’t have any dates.”

“Yeah, but… never mind.”

“I know. It hasn’t worked yet, but it’s only a matter of time.”

Esme wanted to agree, but she couldn’t.

Connor said, “I’m sure you’d have better luck. You’re not socially awkward like I am.”

“What are you talking about? I love talking to you. You’re an interesting guy!”

“I’m an interesting guy to talk with sitting in a bar, but dating-wise, I just haven’t had enough practice. While everyone else was perfecting their game, I was in a library study carrel with my nose in medical books. Now look at me.”

Esme did look at him like she had so many times, from his neatly trimmed light-brown hair to the tortoiseshell glasses that brought out the green in his eyes. They were soft and impossibly deep, like the sea. She could drown in those eyes. She realized she was staring and meant to avert her eyes, but her gaze drifted down to his mouth.

Her lips parted. Barely able to breathe, she said, “You don’t need any practice. You’re you. That’s enough—more than enough!” She drew in a breath, afraid she’d said too much.

Connor chuckled. “Tell that to my dates.”

Esme smiled gently. “It can’t be that bad.”

“Oh, it can.”

“I’m sure there are plenty of women who’d love to date you.”

“Great, give me their phone numbers.”

She recited her own in her mind then looked into his eyes. “You’ll find your perfect someone. In the meantime, you’ve got me to talk to.” She smiled cheerfully to hide her true feelings.

With a gentle smile, Connor thanked her. “If I’m honest, it’s not always my fault.”

“Of course not!”

Connor hesitated. “I never talk about it. I’m not sure why I’m telling you, except maybe it’s like therapy. It helps to talk it out.”

“I’m a bartender, which makes me practically a registered professional therapist—absent the legal registration.”

Connor humored her with a nod. “My last date, Saturday—I’ve been trying to forget it. Another dating app meeting, but we had something. She was smart, funny, and pretty.”

“Of course.” Esme tried not to smirk.

“We chatted for almost an hour.” He shook his head helplessly.

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