“So? I don’t get it. You were into it even more than I was until I opened that drawer.”
“It just felt . . .”
“What?”
“Too organized,” I said.
He stared dumbfounded for a moment, and then suddenly, he laughed.
“It’s not funny, Ryder.”
“Of course it is.” He began to finish dressing. “You think this is all a setup? This is my love nest? I parade girls in and out of here?”
“I don’t know what to think.”
“This is some irony. Probably most guys you were with didn’t care.”
“I haven’t been with any guys who didn’t care.”
“Yes, you have. Weren’t you seduced?”
“I mean, deliberately been with any,” I corrected. The conversation was getting me upset. “I’ve got to go home. My foster parents want me at dinner there tonight.”
“I’m sure,” he said. He opened the drawer of the nightstand and threw the contraceptive into it.
“Look, Ryder, I like you. I’m sorry, but you’re not the only one who has some issues to resolve,” I said.
He looked up at me and nodded. “You’re right. Hey, you have to understand that it’s harder for a guy to put on the brakes than it is for a girl. I’m still skidding,” he said, and smiled.
“This might help,” I said, and leaned over to kiss him.
“How does that help?” he asked when I straightened up.
“Figure it out.” I started for the door. “I have to go.”
He shook his head and stood up. “You’re missing some great food.”
“I hope there’ll be another time,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m still not my own person, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah, if anyone does, I do.”
He followed me out and then took my hand at my car.
“You really don’t believe I’m that much of a ladies’ man, do you?”
“I guess not. It was just so fast and . . . convenient.”
He laughed. “Women. You can’t live without them, and you can’t live with them.”
“You could always become a monk,” I said, and opened my car door.
“I think I’d rather take my chances with you.”
I thought a moment. “Let’s plan on next Tuesday. That day, the school’s closed for teacher conferences.”
“Plan on what?” he asked.
“Going rowing at the March lake. What else?”