“Yeah, I don’t get it either but a lot of people seem to do it.”
The newly engaged couple is now eating dessert, holding hands across the table.
“Garret, did you really never want to get married?”
“What are you talking about? I tell you I want to get married all the time.”
“In that notebook you gave me at Christmas you said you never wanted to get married.”
“Yeah, that’s true. I told myself I never would.”
“Why? Because of your dad?”
“He’s not the best role model for marriage. My grandfather’s not either. They’ve both had affairs. Several. But I don’t think my dad ever cheated on my mom. At least that’s what he told me and I actually believe him. I think she was the only woman he ever really loved. Katherine’s just a trophy wife. She fit the mold. She’s the type of woman he’s supposed to marry, even if he doesn’t like her.”
“And you didn’t want to end up the same way. That’s why you never wanted to get married?”
“I used to think marriage was stupid. I decided I’d rather be a lifelong bachelor.”
“So what changed your mind?”
“You already know the answer to that.” He picks up his water glass and takes a drink.
“Are you sayingIdid?”
“I told you that in the notebook.”
“And it didn’t make sense.”
“It makes perfect sense. When you meet the right person, you see things differently. You do stuff you didn’t think you’d do.” He glances over at the newly engaged couple. “A year ago, I would’ve made fun of that guy, saying what a huge mistake he was making. Guessing how long the marriage would last. But then I met you and now I understand why he just got down on one knee in front of a room full of people and asked a girl to marry him.”
“So what’s the reason? I mean, I get the whole thing about being in love, but why get married? Why not just live together or date forever?”
He considers it. “I don’t know. I guess I’m old fashioned. I like the idea of the woman I love being called my wife and me being her husband. When you’re married, it seems like you’re more of team and not just two people sharing a house. And I like that it’s not so easy to break apart. If you have a fight, the person can’t just leave and never come back.”
“That’s the reason I’m scared to death to get married. I like the idea of being able to walk away. If things aren’t going well, I just want out.”
“So you’ve got commitment issues.” He nudges my foot under the table. “I guess I’ve got some work to do on you then.”
“You’ve already got me changing my mind, which is really annoying by the way. I can’t figure out how you do it. I swear you have some kind of mind-control abilities.”
He leans back. “Damn, my secret’s out.”
“Even if I’m open to marriage, it’s not going to happen for a long time. I have stuff to get done before I even think about that.”
“Like what?”
“Finish school. Get a good job. Pay you back all the money I owe you.”
“Hey. No talking about money.”
“Yes, I know.”
The waiter brings our food. As a side dish to the pork, I ordered mashed potatoes. They aren’t served with gravy like I’m used to, but I’m guessing they’re so good you don’t need gravy. I take a small bite. Yep, you definitely don’t need gravy.
“Jade, look how much we’ve moved. That building that was next to us when we got here is way over there now.”
I look across the room and see the building on the other side. “I should’ve been watching this whole time. It goes so slow you don’t even feel it. We’ll have to get dessert so we can spend more time here. Maybe we’ll go around again.”
