She rolls her eyes. "I haven't cared about my birthday in a while. Really, it's no big deal." She pulls her hand away and swipes it on her knee. Sweaty palms are one thing we have in common. I change the subject, hoping she doesn't lose her giddiness about our conversation.
"Any other surprises?" I smile, grabbing her hand back. I don't care how sweaty it is.
"I guess not. I didn't mean to throw all of that on you like that. My filter is obviously lacking." She looks at her feet on the floorboard.
"Will you stop apologizing? If I didn't want to know, I wouldn't have asked. Those are some pretty traumatic things."
"Yeah, I guess so." She looks out the window, trying to avoid any tears. She would be the type to avoid showing anyone her weakness. Before all of this, something tells me she was quite the strong-headed "I'll kick your ass" girl.
"I'm sorry about your dad." I look at her. Those green eyes tell me she appreciates my words but doesn't want to get into something so profound with someone she doesn't really know.
"Thanks," she whispers.
"What did he do? Your fiancé, I mean."
Curiosity killed the cat.
Silence.Shit. Why did I just ask her that?
"I'm sorry. That's none of my business." I say and brake for the red light.
"He didn't do anything. I wasn't ready. I know there is supposed to be some big reason, but there isn't." I realize the words make her feel terrible, guilty somehow.
"Oh, so you just decided you didn't love him?"
Here it comes "asshole Judson.”
"I felt pressured. I had lost sight of some things. Sure I loved him, but suddenly it wasn't enough. I just kind of grew up." She attempts an explanation, but suddenly I feel ridiculous that she even feels the need to give me one. I'm basically a stranger.
"No judgment from me. You don't owe anyone anything. Seriously, when the right guy comes along, you will know it." I turn and give her a wink. Let's be real. This conversation might be deep as fuck, but I'm still Judson, and Judson is a flirt. Well, at least I am with her. I'm so infatuated with her, I can't see myself giving another woman the time of day.
She rolls her eyes at my arrogance, attempting to hide her smile.
"When did all of this happen?" I ask, hoping for a timeline.
"Back in June."
I sincerely want to make her days here unforgettable. Actually, I want to make all her days unforgettable.
"Your turn, Tell me all your secrets, Judson Banks." She turns to me with her arms crossed, looking cute as hell.
"I'm an open book... Ask me anything you want."
"Why are you single?" She lets the words fall out, and her eyes go wide, surprised she just asked me that.
"I guess I just haven't found the right girl. I don't date for sport. Really I haven't dated much at all."
Which isn't a lie, leaving out the fact that I'm basically a dad.
"Ohhh..." She looks genuinely surprised I don't have strippers rolling out of my house.
"What?" I laugh. "I know that sounds corny."
"No, I think it's sweet. Maybe you'll get it right the first time." She squeezes my hand this time. My game is rubbing off on her, and it's adorable.
I pull my hand away and pick up my phone out of the cupholder. It has been buzzing the whole ride. I swipe the screen.
Jameson- Hanna is moving into the apartment. Just letting you know.