Why Can't He Be You
Doing something just a bit different. This is the same chapter as the one before. Only from Laura's perspective and with a different song.
It was another event, another night where she was dressed up wearing uncomfortable shoes. At first these evenings had been fun, a reason to dress up, be seen on the arm of a gorgeous man. Now it was just another evening away from a book.
She watched him as he collected their drinks. She cared for him, she truly did. If she were to make one of her famous pro/con lists, he would have more entries on the pro side than on the con side. On paper, he was perfect, perfect for her.
Yet she couldn't commit, couldn't take that next step. He'd asked, several times. Didn't pressure her for an answer, just let her know the offer was there when she was ready. In his mind, it was just a question of when, not if.
The person in front her asked a question drawing her from her own thoughts. She engaged in the conversation, losing herself to another meaningless cocktail chat. His hand on the small of her back made her look up, smiling at him.
She took a small sip from the drink he'd brought her. Of course, it was perfect, much like him. Her smile deepened, she told herself just to embrace all of this. Accept it and let herself fall. Reaching out she touched his chest lightly, a simple gesture thanking him for the drink, thanking him for being him.
The mindless chatter had gotten the best of her. Rather than letting him go for her drink, she'd excused herself and gone for her own drink.
She'd felt Robbie before she even realized he was there. Turning, she looked up at him, happy to simply watch him for a moment, "I see you got roped into attending."
He seemed somewhat alarmed to see her, "So it seems." His eyes searched the room as if he was worried someone might see them, "Are you having fun?"
What a ridiculous question to ask, "As much fun as anyone has at these things."
He looked down at her, "Why do you come if you don't enjoy them?"
Laughing at his naiveté, she took the drinks from the bartender. "Some things you simply have to do." Seeing her companion over Robbie's shoulder, she smiled, "For your partner…" Looking up at him, her smile softened, "To make a good impression on the boss."
"Don't you ever just want to do something because it's fun?"
She wondered for a second, what he thought was fun. "Is that an offer, Inspector Lewis?"
He blinked and she could see the uncertainty on his face, "I'm sure what I find fun you wouldn't be interested in."
His answer made her laugh. If she was honest, he always made her laugh. Leaning into him, invading his space, she smiled up at him, "There's only one way to find out."
"How's that?"
"Give me a call sometime." She walked away, leaving him alone to ponder what she'd said.
Returning to her partner, she was surprised when he took the drinks from her, dropping them onto the tray of a passing waiter. Without asking, he led her to the dance floor, sweeping her into his arms.
Another time, another place, another woman would have found it all dreadfully romantic. Laura tried, she added his spontaneity to her mental pro/con list. Trying desperately to convince her mind, her heart, of how perfect he was.
Throughout it all, though, all she could hear was his words. "Don't you ever just want to do something because it's fun?" The perfect man waltzed her around the dance floor and all she could think about was having fun with another man.
He never fails to call and tell me I'm on his mind
And I'm lucky to have such a guy, I hear it all the time
And he does all the things that you would never do
He loves me too, his love is true
Why can't he be you?
He's not the one who dominates my mind and soul
And I should love him so, 'cause he loves me, I know
But his kisses leave me cold
He sends me flowers, calls on the hour, just to prove his love
And my friends say when he's around, I'm all he speaks of
And he does all the things that you would never do
He loves me too, his love is true
Why can't he be you?
This will most likely be the only "continuation". I hope you liked both sides of the coin. Ms. Patsy Cline - Why Can't He Be You