Loving Wright

Chapter 8: Blind Date

Kendra...

You know how you get on a bike after years of not riding and somehow still remember how to ride it? Well, dating is the same way. The compliments, flirty jokes and getting-to-know-you conversations were still the same. That part of the date was awkward, always had been for me. I always found myself stuttering and mispronouncing words. Fortunately, that didn't last long. My date and I found ourselves in many healthy, fun debates. It was impossible to not end up there when a journalist and political analyst were in the same room. It may not seem like a normal date activity, but I was enjoying it.

"I think you've been around too many politicians. You're starting to sound just like them," I joked

"That's a good thing as far as I'm concerned."

"How is that a good thing?" I asked, "Politicians are more hated than Isis."

He laughed, "You might actually be right about that. But it's a good thing because I want to be a politician one day."

My insides tightened.

"A politician huh?"

"Yeah," he answered, "My grandfather was a loved mayor of my hometown. He wanted to make politics an ongoing thing in our family, but my father was not having it and went into music instead. So, I thought I'd be the one to continue my grandfather's little legacy and take it beyond our small town."

"Wow, that's nice," I lied

His father was looking more appealing than him at this point.

"I plan on staying here for the next few years, save some money, make some important connections and then go back home and start my political career."

"Well that seems like a good plan," I said, trying to show interest

Could he tell that I didn't care?

Apparently, he can't. He keeps going on and on about his plans for becoming a politician. I listened, widening my eyes and saying "wow" at the important parts. I wanted to be open, wanted to give this man a chance. He was a great guy, and definitely my type. But it was hard to get over this. My mind kept going back to that day in Anthony's yard, with his nosey ass mother peeping through the window. I didn't want to go through that again.

'Maybe he was different,' said that hopeless romantic voice in my head that oddly sounded just like Iris, 'Maybe he's the guy who won't put his career over you.'

I was about to entertain my thoughts when he said something I couldn't feign interest.

"My future wife would be on the road campaigning with me and at home with the kids."

"So, you'd prefer a wife at home?" I asked, hoping he wouldn't disappoint me

"Well, isn't that her place?"

My brows rose. Did he really just say that? He saw my reaction and tried to explain his view.

"I mean, I just don't think a woman should be working," he said, "She has qualities that are needed for more important things."

"Like what? Raising children?"

"Exactly," he said, seemingly thinking I was on his side

"What about me? I work. Do you think I shouldn't be?"

"Well, you don't really have a choice. You have a son to take care of on your own. But if this were to go anywhere..." he said pointing between us. I hope he knew by now it wouldn't be going anywhere, "You wouldn't have to work."

"But what if I wanted to?"

"Why would you want to? You'll have me to take care of everything."

"I really like my job, I wouldn't want to leave it."