“What do you mean?” she asked frowning but trying to hide a smile. I looked at her more closely. She seemed warmer, like she was glowing ever so slightly.
“You look good.” I wasn’t sure whether I should ask her or not but I went with it anyway.
“Are you in love?”
Christine looked shocked but the smile she was trying to hide was becoming more visible. I smiled at her. It took her a few seconds to answer. Probably deciding whether to lie or just be honest, and whether it was my business or not.
“Yes,” she said softly. “I think I am.” She looked down at her hands.
“That’s great!” I said.
“Oh, well, I don’t know, guess so. He’s a fine man anyway.”
I felt happy for her. A little envious because she had fallen in love with a man who was actually real. And it made me wonder, would that ever happen to me? Or would I go through life meeting guys who never lived up to Peter? Staying single forever.
“I’d given up on love you know.” Christine shocked me by continuing the conversation, like she was opening up. I held my breath, worried I might scare her into closing that door of humanity. She continued: “I had enough evidence in life to know you couldn’t trust any man.” She looked over at me. “But Andrew, he’s different. He’s not like the others. He makes me feel alive and protected.” She looked at me seriously and said something I would never forget. “Don’t ever settle for less.”
Then quick as a whip she turned and dashed into her office, leaving me standing there puzzled.