Page 23 of Clueless
“I know that, but my sister doesn’t.In fact, she doesn’t know you that well at all.I mean, it’s obvious you guys have great physical chemistry and you rocked her world…” She laughed when I said nothing.“But that’s not enough for her.She wants a guy she can really connect with, someone who’s not afraid to open up to her.It’s probably that whole therapist thing.Communication and trust are the most important things to her in a relationship.”
“I get that.”I’d never been in the kind of relationship Codie described, but I could understand why someone like Grace would want that.
“She took you at your word when you said one-night stands were your thing.”
“They were.They are.”I rubbed my forehead, feeling more confused than ever.“Hell, I don’t know what I want.All I know is that Grace is different.I can’t get her out of my head and I want to see her again.”
“She’s not the kind of girl who would be happy with a casual relationship for long.”I heard the warning in her voice when she said, “Gracie is sweet and sensitive and she gets her heart broken too easily.I’ve tried to toughen her up over the years, but that’s just not who she is.When she loves, she loves hard, and honestly, I think that’s one of her best qualities.”
“I can imagine.”Being loved by a woman like Grace— No, I wasn’t going to go there.She could never love someone like me.
“So, maybe you guys are just too different, Taz.Could be you were just meant to have that one great night and y’all should let it go at that.”
Not the answer I was looking for, but Codie could be right.
“I know you can’t get her out of your head, and she feels the same way, but?—”
“She told you that?”
“What?That she can’t stop thinking about you?Yeah, of course.But that?—”
“Then why the hell won’t she call me back?”I tipped my head back against the leather headrest, closing my eyes.“Just because she thinks I’ll mess around with groupies?That’s crazy!Why would I, if I had her?”
“Do you want her, like that?I mean, what you’re describing sounds a lot like a relationship to me.”
I rubbed a hand over my beard, trying to figure out what the hell I was trying to say.I’d never been in a real relationship.I didn’t even know if I could handle it.But wasn’t a girl like Grace worth the effort?
“I’ve probably given you a lot to think about.Just do me a favor, okay?”
“Sure.”
“Don’t reach out to my sister unless you’re sure you’re willing to go places you’ve never been before.”
“What does that mean?”I heard what she was trying to say, but I needed to hear the words.Maybe that would scare some sense into me.
“I’m talking about dropping the tough guy act and being real and vulnerable with her.Letting her in.Letting her hear your fears, see your heart, and know who you really are, underneath all those rock-hard layers.”
“Jesus, Codie.You don’t know what you’re asking of me.”
“I’m not asking anything of you.Right now, there’s nothing between you and Gracie.You could just leave it at that, forget you ever met her.”
“I don’t think I can do that.”I’ve been trying for two weeks and was getting nowhere.
“Look, I’m not telling you she’s looking for a marriage proposal and to have a couple of babies.She’s an independent woman, and she’s fine being alone.She loves her career, has friends and family, and doesn’t reallyneeda relationship.”
“But?”
“She’s a born caretaker, and she loves people.I know she wants to be a wife and mama someday.That’s why she keeps dating safe, stable, boring guys.She thinks they’re the best candidates for a life partner.But my husband is proof that the perfect husband doesn’t have to wear a suit, have graduated top of his class, or even have his shit together.”
That gave me some hope.
“Mav is perfect for me, flaws and all.Just like I’m perfect for him, flaws and all.”
“But if your sister is looking for a guy like the one you described, I’m clearly not it.”
“No, you’re not.So, if you’re really into her, prove to her that she’s been looking for Mr.Right in all the wrong places.”
“Codie, I’ve never been anyone’s definition of Mr.Right.Sure as hell not someone as beautiful, smart, sexy, caring?—”
