Page 61 of Next Time We'll Fall

“But why would she not date other guys? You haven’t even taken her on a date.” She looks super confused. “I’m sorry, Doc, but what?”

“Fuck,” I say and then quickly cover my mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to swear.”

“It’s okay. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I think I’ve just been a dumbass,” I say, staring at her. “I just realized I’ve never even asked her on a date.”

“Yeah. I mean, if you like her, you should totally ask her on a date. You can’t expect someone not to date other men if you haven’t even asked them out.”

I nod slowly.

“You’re not dumb, Doc. You’re one of the smartest men I know.”

“Maybe when it comes to veterinary science,” I say with a smile. “But I’ve got a feeling when it comes to romance, I’m kind of slow. Thank you. This has been illuminating.”

“You’re welcome, Doc. Feel free to ask me any questions anytime.”

“I will, Sarah. I appreciate it.”

I walk to room two, my brain rapidly processing the conversation.

I was a fucking idiot.

I’d literally gone from barely speaking to Juniper, to teasing her, to being protective of her, to almost fucking her.

And I never even asked her on a date.

No wonder she is confused.

No wonder I am confused.

But now I don’t know what to do.

Can I ask her on a date?

She is about to be on a reality dating TV show.

How does that work?

Can she even date me?

“Hi, Doc.”

I look up and see old man Hammond sitting in the chair with his cat.

“Hi. Good to see you. So, what seems to be the problem today?”

I need to focus.

I can’t be thinking about Juniper while I’m at work, even though that’s all I want to think about.

I am losing my mind.

But I realize that if I am serious about Juniper, I am going to have to step up, just like Sage said.

I can’t allow my jealousy to ruin whatever friendship or relationship we have, especially if I am not willing to offer more.

The problem is, I don’t even know if Juniper would be interested in a date.