Holy fuck. Does he really know? I want to hide in the darkest, deepest hole of the city and pretend this conversation is not happening.
“But…” Speechless. That’s what I am.
“Let’s just say you’ve got a lot of rich boyfriends for someone living in a building where the best security option is an old man with a curious mind.” Just kill me now. “So, now that the cat’s out of the bag, tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m going to need more than just a cup of tea to get this conversation on the way.” I’m about to stand when Mr. Bobby reaches behind him and hands me a bottle of Johnnie Walker.
“Well, well, well. It seems I’m not the only one with secrets around here. And all this time, I thought you were drinking tea to help you sleep.” We both chuckle as he hands me a clean cup.
“Who says I don’t? That whisky is my guarantee that I’ll sleep like a baby. Now quit dilly dallying and let’s figure out your life plan.” Fuck, I love this man.
“Mr. Bobby? Will you marry me?” His entire body shakes as his deep, throaty laugh erupts from his chest.
“Ah, sweet child. In many ways, I already have. You are so much like Josie, you could have been our daughter.” My heart constricts, those words a balm to my very soul.
“I can’t think of a better compliment.”
“Only the truth, River. Only the truth. Now, what are our options here?”
I tell him about Kai. About our complicated relationship and about his announcement to marry Freya.
“Well, if this was the Bachelorette, I’d say he’d be eliminated in the first round.” I think he’s joking but the growl gives him away. He’s not on Team Kai, apparently.
“It’s complicated, Mr. Bobby. I don’t think he’s doing it because he wants to, you know. Like, I think there’s something more to it but I don’t know what it is.” It was too soon and too fast. Kai isn’t normally such a hot head.
“River, if there’s anything you take away from our conversations, let it be this…” Placing his tea on the step above us, he turns fully to look me in the eyes. “Life is only as complicated as you decide to make it. The sooner you realize that you are the main character in your story, the clearer your decision-making will be.” We stare at each other as I digest his words.
“But feelings aren’t simple. I love Kai. I always have. But Nathaniel… he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. Kind and caring. Attentive.” Mr. Bobby nods, a sound of approval coming from his direction tells me he’s definitely on Team Candy-Aisle-Guy.
“He’s a doctor, being kind, caring, and attentive is a big part of his job so it makes sense that you’d be attracted to that part of him. Sounds to me that the decision is more than simple, it’s evident.” I laugh because I haven’t told him about Marco Mancini yet and that’s going to blow any episode of the Bachelorette right out of the water.
“Well, tonight, I have a client who’s offering me a way out of this, but it’s a contract that could mean the end to Nathaniel being an option.”
“All right, now. Give me the details.”
I go through the entire conversation at the coffee shop and then at dinner. As I talk, I feel myself getting animated and aggravated at every little control tactic Marco played. Obviously, I left out the part where he made me come in the very public restaurant with a very active egg in my fucking vagina. By the time I’m finished going over this entire shit show, I’m standing, my arms flailing all around as I finish off my story with him putting me in a private car and tapping the roof as a sign for the driver to take off.
“Can you believe the nerve of that guy? There’s no way I can survive three months of his crap. I’ll end up killing him.” By the time I’m finished with my diatribe, I’m exhausted all over again, slumping against the railing and taking a much needed shot of Johnnie Walker.
“Interesting.”
“That’s it? I tell you I’m in a messy bind and that’s your wise word of the night?” Hmph, that was a waste of time.
“What’s interesting is how passionate you are when talking about this man who clearly makes your blood boil.” Why does he have a smirk on his face? Is he…?
“Are you mocking me, Mr. Bobby?” With my fists on my hips, I stare down at him, giving him my best annoyed face.
“Well, I’m amused but no, I’m not making fun of you. Ain’t my style, sweet girl. Now, come sit.”
With a big sigh, I’m back at Mr. Bobby’s side, my elbows resting on the step behind me.
“Sounds to me like you’re missing the big picture.”
“And what picture is that?” Looking at my toes, I realize I need to go back to the salon for a pedicure.
“Right now, Kai isn’t in the picture. It don’t matter why he’s getting married, what matters is that he is getting married. As far as Nathaniel is concerned, I say the truth is the only way to go. If he really wants you for you, then he’ll be part of the conversation. But, River, let me tell you something. Ain’t no man gonna want his girl to be married to another. No amount of money is worth that sacrifice.”
“Yeah, I know.” The silence grows until he gives me his next words and I almost choke on my saliva.