Mistaken Identity (Identity 1)

“Okay, seriously, you’re amazing. The two of you aren’t even together, and you’re going to help her through it?” The almost snide tone took him by surprise.

“Of course, I mean we were together for ten years.”

“And you’re modest. Oh, Paranormal boy, I think I may keep

you.”

“I didn’t realize I was on the chopping block.” He snickered.

“Hmm, I’m selective, and trust must be earned not given.”

“Must be the reporter in you.”

“That and the fact that men can be a little too fly by night. Ladies, too, for that matter.”

“Well at least you’re fair about it.” He chuckled. “Be still, my southern soul, I think I found my country queen.”

“Ease up there, Mr. Walker, you’re moving at light speed.”

“I love it when you talk nerdy to me.”

Her laughter rang out in peels. “You do know this conversation is ridiculous, right?”

“I needed a little bit of that after my day.”

“I bet, you poor thing. You want Kansas to come over and kiss it better?”

“Do I get to choose the spot?” He lowered his voice.

“Dirty.”

“You love it.”

“Hmmm.”

He smiled at her coyness. She was an incredible mixture of class, humor, sexiness, and intelligence. Please let her stay exactly like this. Let this be the one. I’m not getting any younger, and watching my friends settle down, marry, and have babies is starting to kill me a little inside. Sure, he’d always wanted to be an actor, but even more he wanted to be a husband and a father. He never imagined he’d be pushing mid-thirties and have neither accomplished. I spent too long hanging my hopes on Lis.

“How was your day?” he asked, ready to veer on to a different train of thought.

“Fun, more fan girl screaming. They missed you by the way.”

“Yeah, I feel bad about it, but you know, family first.”

“You think of her … Lis as your family?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I mean we grew up together, a few streets apart.”

“Are you sure there aren’t any romantic feelings lingering between the two?”

“No, that ship sailed a little longer ago then I’d like to admit.” He sighed. How could he explain to her what he didn’t understand himself?

“That’s good enough for me right now. I don’t want you to go swimming back into the deep waters I just dragged you away from with my scintillating conversation and dazzling wit.”

“Modesty is one of your best qualities.” His voice was dry.

“I know, right?” Her exaggerated words made him shake his head and grin.

“They should bottle you up and sell you.”