Page 131 of Error Handling

“Are you okay with Chris’s chosen profession?”

I hesitate. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You tried to upcycle him as a home repairman.”

“It sounds more sophisticated.”

“That’s what I mean. A handyman is a fine profession. There’s no need to sugarcoat it.”

“It is. But he wants to start a business flipping houses, so it’s a little more involved than fixing plumbing and whatever else comes up.”

“I’m just trying to make sure you’ve made your choice. Is it HR rep Christopher or handyman Chris? Which one do you want?”

“Chris,” I say without hesitation. “The handyman. Maintenance Tech. Future house flipper.”

“Okay, then. You need to go after him.”

“He thinks I cheated on him, just like his high school sweetheart.”

“It sounds to me like you didn’t cheat. You two weren’t committed and he was sending you mixed signals.”

“That’s what I told him.”

“So why do you doubt yourself?”

“Because I didn’t tell Chris I kissed Christopher. As soon as we made out on his couch, I should have told him.”

“Maybe.” Cassie shrugs. “Maybe not. I think Chris is being extra sensitive because of his past. That’s understandable. So, you need to go easy on him. Let him process his doubts. But you don’t have to give up on him. Not if you have such strong feelings for him.”

My face drops to a pout. “He’s moving to Puerto Rico.”

Cassie winces, rubs her face, and then scratches above her ear. “But he’s willing to date remotely.”

“He was.”

“Maybe he still is. Maybe he’s already cooled off. You’ll never know unless you call him. Or text.”

Cassie squeezes my hand and then lets go. She rests her hands on the table and laces up her fingers. “Let’s talk about your parents.”

“Why?”

“Just because.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Bingo. You’re internalizing. You have things you need to get off your chest. That’s what you called me for. To vent. And I’m guessing you have almost thirty years’ worth of venting to do with a mom as high maintenance as yours seems to be.”

“Dad too.”

“That’s not easy.”

“I told my mom off before I left. It’s the first time I’ve ever yelled at her like that. And I wasn’t easy on my dad either.”

“How did that feel?”

“Difficult. Emotional.” I pause. “Cathartic.”

“Good,” Cassie says.