Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 88460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 354(@250wpm)___ 295(@300wpm)
Harris:
Ummmm are you telling me I’m not athletic?
Lucy:
I don’t want you dying on a hike. Yes, you have muscles, but does that mean you can walk for 2 hours without giving yourself a heart attack? I don’t know.
Harris:
Wow. You really know how to bruise a guy’s ego.
Lucy:
It’s not my fault you’re sensitive.
Harris:
Sensitive? I’m trying to figure out why you think I’d die on a hike!!
Lucy:
I didn’t say die. I said you might have a heart attack. Big difference.
Harris:
Oh, that’s So much better.
Lucy:
Looks can be deceiving. I don’t know your endurance level.
Harris:
My endurance level?
Lucy:
You know, how long you can last.
Lucy:
On a hike. I meant on a Hike!
Harris:
Sure you did.
Lucy:
Don’t make this weird.
Harris:
Too late. It’s already weird. And you sure are cute when you’re flustered.
Lucy:
How do you know I’m flustered.
Harris:
I’m not talking about right now—I’m talking about the times I’ve seen you in person. It’s cute that I get you all riled up.
Lucy:
For the record, I’m not That worried about your endurance.
Harris:
Oh? Should I take that as a vote of confidence?
Lucy:
Let’s say I’d be willing to test it. Strictly for science.
Harris:
Science, huh? But seriously, Lucy, tell me something. Why do you think we butt heads every time we talk?
Lucy:
Hmm, let’s see . . . maybe it’s because you like pushing my buttons.
Harris:
Guilty. But you push back as hard. I like that about you.
Lucy:
I guess I’m not used to someone keeping up with me. Most people get frustrated and give up.
Harris:
By people, do you mean men??
Lucy:
Perhaps. And since we’re being honest—are you single??? For all I know, you have a wife hidden away somewhere.
Harris:
Wow. Going straight for the deep stuff, huh?
Lucy:
Just making conversation.
Harris:
I am single. No wife, no girlfriend, no secret family hidden away. You can breathe easy.
Lucy:
Good to know. For the record, I’m also single. No hidden husbands or boyfriends.
Harris:
I would hope not. That might complicate things.
Lucy:
So, why is someone like you single?
Harris:
It’s complicated.
Lucy:
Complicated how?
Harris:
I don’t have the best track record with relationships.
Lucy:
Care to elaborate?
Harris:
Let’s see . . . my last relationship ended because she thought I was too focused on my job and not enough on her. Before that, it was my college girlfriend, who was pissed when I moved to another state for work and moved in with some buddies instead of her. I can’t win.
Lucy:
That sounds rough.
Harris:
It’s not all bad. It means I haven’t found the right person yet. What about you?
Lucy:
Yes, I’m so single it’s a joke at this point.
Harris:
When was your last relationship?
Lucy:
Gosh, months ago. I’ve been focusing on myself, which is what we should all be doing, yeah? After my last relationship, I needed some time to figure out what I wanted.
Harris:
What happened?
Lucy:
He was . . . ugh, how do I put this? Super zen. He left for a week without telling me! He was soul searching and ultimately it got to be too much. The uncertainty.
Harris:
Wow. That sounds . . . chaotic.
Lucy:
It was. Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t a bad person. He was too free-spirited for me.
Harris:
And you need stability.
Lucy:
Exactly. Stability, communication. You know, the basics. I realized it’s not about finding the perfect person, it’s about finding someone who matches your energy. It’s hard, isn’t it? Balancing what you want with what someone else needs.
Harris:
Right. Like how do you find someone who fits into your life without feeling like you’re giving up a part of yourself?
Lucy:
Also, it’s about finding someone who complements you. Someone who doesn’t just fit into your life but makes it Better.
Harris:
You sound like you’ve thought about this a lot.
Lucy:
I suppose I have. All I want is a man who challenges me, makes me laugh, and doesn’t run off to “find himself” without warning.
Harris:
Well, I can promise I’m not running off anywhere.
Lucy:
I mean, you will by the time you leave. Where do you live, anyway?
Harris:
Arizona. Originally from Pennsylvania.
Lucy:
Arizona? That’s far.
Harris:
Not really. That’s what flights are for.
Lucy:
So now you’re telling me you’d fly all the way to Washington to see me?
Harris:
Maybe. If you’re worth it.
Lucy:
Bold of you to assume I’d let you.
Harris:
Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t make it worth your while.
Lucy:
So, Pennsylvania to Arizona. Big change.
Harris:
It was. Grew up in the cold, now I live in the heat. You get used to it. What about you? Always been local?
Lucy:
Pretty much. Born and raised here. I’ve thought about leaving, but it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else. There’s something about the mountains, the forests, the rain. Never had a reason to move.
Lucy:
What’s something I’d see if I ever visited Arizona?
Harris:
The desert mountains. There’s nothing like them when the sun sets and rises behind them and you see the outline of cactuses. And the stars at night? Unbelievable.
Harris:
Not as pretty as you though, obviously.
Lucy:
Laying it on thick, are we?
Harris:
Not at all.
Lucy:
Okay Mr. Honesty, what’s something you’re attracted to?
Harris:
Physically?
Lucy:
Yes, physically.
Harris:
A great smile. Eyes that make you forget what you were saying. And I’ve got a thing for nice legs.