“It isn’t the first time someone suggests that my inferiority complex made me hook up with a loser.” – She reclined comfortably in her chair and took another sip of tea, which she was obviously enjoying.
“That’s not what I meant - you shouldn’t…”
“It is okay, really. I am perfectly fine with that. I mean, my boyfriend’s no hero by any means. He’s not your ambitious type. Doesn’t seem to want anything much out of life, does he?” – Her voice changed, and she continued quietly. “I can see how he may look like a loser to many people, and it breaks my heart because I care a great deal about what my friends think about me and my choices.”
A long silence followed. She wasn’t saying any more, instead pretending to study the inside of her empty teacup. He finally gave up:
“You are saying… ”
She looked slightly surprised.
“Am I saying anything?”
“That’s damn right, you are.” – He put his fork down. “You actually make it sound like we have a reason to worry about you. Are you okay that he’s everything you said he is? Are you just going to do nothing about it? What do you get out of this relationship? These aren’t just questions, you see. No one has anything against him, trust me – but we love you, and we care about you. I’m sure you know that. We just want you to be happy, to have everything you deserve.”
She moved, looking disturbed for a moment, and then said, with gentle firmness and a hint of sadness in her tone:
“I am going to give you two options. You may trust my feelings and drop the issue, or you may stand ready to offer help in case I ask for it. Just choose your option and quit worrying. I shared my feelings with you but saying more would make me look like I report to you, and don’t want to look that way.”
His eyebrows went up. He smiled and shook his head.
“I see. That’s just foolish, if you want to know. But fine. Whatever - you are a big girl.”
“No I’m not, I don’t think. But that’s okay. I’m going to grow up in my own time.”
The rain outside was getting lighter, and the skyline certainly cleared up since they last looked. The world, tired of the gloom and the heavy sky, was finally ready to let the sun shine again. She reached for more salad.
“God, this is delicious. I’ll make sure to get the recipe before we leave. Thank you so much for choosing this place, I’m really enjoying myself.”
They continued to dine, their conversation drifting from this year’s Oscars to the political situation in the Middle East.