It's Better This Way(23)

“Do you mind covering me?” he asked. “I’m a little short.”

Carrie paused. “Seems to me like I covered you the last time we were out.”

He shrugged. “Things are tough out there.”

This was his way of admitting his reputation had finally caught up with him. Justin seemed unable to hold down any position for longer than a few months.

After they’d graduated, Carrie had sympathized. Like Justin, she’d drifted from job to job herself. The difference was, she’d never left any position with hard feelings. Each one of her employers had been impressed with her work ethic and were sorry to see her go. By contrast, Justin either didn’t show up or made it known he’d prefer to get laid off.

    Determined this would be the last time, Carrie took out extra money and handed it to Justin.

“Next time,” he promised.

She’d heard that before. Rather than stew about it, Carrie was determined to enjoy this special treat. Within a few minutes, Justin was back with two plates heaped high with their orders and large sodas. He pulled out the bench and sat down.

Savoring their food, they were silent for several minutes.

“Been missing you,” Justin said after he’d wolfed down his chili dog.

Carrie found it hard to believe and let the comment slide. He hadn’t called since her move into The Heritage. Hadn’t even sent a text. She was the one who’d asked him about biking this afternoon.

“So, what’s it like living in that hoity-toity condo, rubbing elbows with all those rich folks?”

Again, she preferred to ignore the comment. “It’s great having my own space. You should try it sometime.” It was a small dig that seemed to go over his head.

“Naw,” he countered. “Mom needs me.”

“I think it might be the other way around. You need your mom.”

He shrugged. “I’m not complaining. She does the laundry, cooks the meals, and pays for my health insurance. I’ve got it good.”

    Yup, Justin was much too comfortable to make the transition to becoming a full-fledged adult. It wasn’t a stretch to realize he wasn’t likely to move out on his own anytime soon.

“Did I mention my cousin Hillary is engaged?” Carrie said, changing the subject.

Justin set his drink down, and his eyes rounded. She had the feeling that if he’d still been eating, he would have choked on his chili dog. “Hey, Carrie, this isn’t a hint, is it, because you know—”

“Stop.” She held up her hand before he stuck his foot in his mouth any farther. “No way am I suggesting anything of the sort. I’m sharing news, not making any implications regarding the two of us.”

No way.

She wouldn’t say it out loud, for fear it would damage his fragile ego. Justin would be at the bottom of the barrel when it came to her choice for a husband. If lunch was any indication, she would end up supporting him.

“I mean,” he said, smiling now that any implied pressure was off, “you’re the full meal deal, Carrie. Any guy would be lucky to have you. That said, I wouldn’t be opposed to us moving in together.”

“Are you kidding me? That’s not happening.”

This wasn’t the first time he’d casually tossed out the idea. One Carrie would never consider. First off, if he assumed once they shared an apartment, she’d sleep with him, then he was delusional. They would be strictly roommates.

As far as any living situation with Justin was concerned, she could read the handwriting on the wall. He’d move in, and before long she’d be forced to pay his share of the rent.

    “Hey,” he joked, “I was serious.”

“So was I.”

He laughed in good-natured humor. “This is what I like best about you, Carrie. You’re a straight shooter.”



* * *



—

Following lunch, Carrie and Justin went their separate ways. Carrie returned to her parents’ house to store her bicycle and helmet.

Seeing that she was back, her mother joined her in the garage. “Did you have a good time?”

Justin was fun, and she could count on laughing with him. “I did,” she admitted, although reluctantly.

Her mother cocked her head. “Really?” she asked. “You sound hesitant.”

Carrie stored her helmet in the container where her mother had packed it. “I don’t think I’m going to do much with Justin after today.”

“Why’s that?” The same look of surprise was back. “You always seem to enjoy time with him.”

“I do, that’s the thing. Justin’s fun and good company. He’s easy to be around.”

“What changed?”

Carrie followed her mother into the house, and her mother opened the refrigerator and brought out a pitcher of iced tea. She poured them each a tall glass.

“It’s more who changed,” Carrie admitted, after giving the question some thought. Leaning her hip against the kitchen counter, she paused, gathering her thoughts, finding it difficult to explain her feelings to her mother, let alone herself.

    “Don’t get me wrong,” she said finally. “I like Justin. I always have. Like I said, he’s fun. The thing is, he’s one of those guys who will probably never grow up.”