Every Night (Brush of Love 1)

“A few more times? It’s only been what? A week?” he asked.

“Yeah. And we enjoy each other’s company. So what?” I asked.

“Well, I’m happy for you. It’s about time you had something you enjoyed outside of work. Something to help you de-stress and feel like a man.”

“Because wielding hammers, peeling off sheetrock, and operating heavy machinery doesn't make me feel like one?”

“First off, your truck isn’t heavy machinery. And second, you know what I mean.”

“I do, I do. But she’ll get tired of me eventually,” I said.

“So, ride it out. Have fun while it lasts. It’s about time you took an interest in your personal life again, and I’m glad you’re finally giving yourself permission to do it.”

“She’s a sweet woman, you know? Loves art. Hellbent on spreading nothing but beauty. Wants to spread that beauty in an area that isn’t already beautiful. She’s not damag

ed, not like I am.”

“Dude, you’re not damaged.”

“Dude, yes I am,” I said.

“You’re really not. You hang onto shit like it’s your job, but you’re far from damaged. Everyone’s got their shit. She’s just really good at covering hers up.”

“Or letting it go. Either way, she’s a refreshing breath of air,” I said.

“That you dive into every night,” he said, grinning.

“Seriously? We’re gonna be like that?” I asked.

“Oh, come on. When things go south with you two, I won’t be able to get my shots in for another five years.”

“See, even you think things will go south.”

“Nope. Just goin’ off what you’re tellin’ me, man. I don’t think things will tank unless you keep telling yourself they will. Self-fulfilling shit and all that.”

“How waxing poetic of you,” I said.

“Look, you’re just looking for excuses. Everyone’s damaged in some way. If you stick around long enough, you’ll figure out how she got screwed over in her life and who hurt her somehow that changed her into the woman she is now. Everyone’s damaged. It’s just that those who advertise their damage allowed their issues to sink them.”

“Or there are some who hide it better,” I said.

“Whatever. The point is, don’t fuck it up with your bullshit ‘down on your own luck’ talk. You’re relaxed. You’re smiling more. You’re enjoying life. Let yourself enjoy the breaths of air you take.”

“Speaking of, I have to call Hailey and cancel tonight,” I said.

“Why? Dude, what the fuck were we just talking about?”

“Calm down, asshole. I forgot tonight’s dinner with my parents.”

“Ah, Satan and her husband. Way to go. Maybe you should take Hailey. They might turn into proper angels for an evening.”

“It’s way too early to subject her to that bullshit,” I said.

“Well, have you thought about it? Introducing her to your parents?”

“Yep,” I said.

“Awesome, dude. When you gonna do it?”