I always knew this was temporary.
Huh?
I mean, it was only a matter of time before you’d meet someone. And that’s the way it should be. They’re exactly right. It’s the way I want it, too. We all want you to be happy.
I am happy.
Well, you could be happier.
I don’t know if I like the idea of too much happiness.
Yea, well, try to keep an open mind.
Things are fine the way they are. I like you. I like hanging out with you. Why can’t I just hang out with you?
Don’t you miss your friends? And dating? And having a special person in your life? All men like that.
I see my friends.
But you know they miss you. Didn’t Jack call just the other day asking if you wanted to do something?
I’ve known him since we were kids. We hang out quite enough. He’s fine.
You need to spend more time with all the people you know, the ones you’ve known all your life. You need to meet some new people. New female people. I’ll miss you, but I’ve known that since I met you. I have to admit that I’m not quite prepared yet, but I will be. I'm fine. Everything's fine. It's been so much fun, and you’re a great guy. Now go forth and socialize. And date, dammit.
I don’t wanna.
Oh, puh-leeze. Of course you do.
Seriously. I don’t wanna.
But, now, you have to. They hate me. They’ll think I never said anything to you, that I really don’t want you to be happy, that I’m forcing you to be here, that I’m glad you feel guilty and sorry for me and have succumbed to the idea of never escaping from me. Please don’t do that to me.
You like lasagne?
Lasagne?
Lasagne. Dinner. I'm thinking we should cook lasagne.
I want to live here. I want to stay here a long, long time. I want to retire here and live out my days. Happily. I can’t do that if the people don’t like me. I want friends or at least to feel like I’m not hated. Hell, I could be shunned.
Lasagne, it is. I’ll be back with the fixins at 5:30. And a movie. It’s my turn to pick, I think, isn’t it?
I’m thinking it’s Saturday night. The best night to start. Call a friend. Go to town. Have a beer and listen to the band at Barnacles. Look around. Make some eye contact. Ask somebody out.
Yea, definitely my pick ‘cause we watched some crap last weekend I can’t even remember the name of.
I’m not going to be here at 5:30, then.
You better. I’ll have all those groceries. You don’t want me left holding the bag, do you?
Oh, good lord.
Take a nap or something. Chill out. Everything will be fine. Trust me?
Yea, but you seriously have to…
Trust me?
Yes.
And with that, he left. Leaving me alone for the afternoon to think about how I could make him leave for good.