"Yeah?"
"This is crazy, right?"
"Completely crazy. But maybe the best things are."
After we hang up, I sit in my quiet cabin trying to process what just happened. In one week, I'm going to Atlanta to meet a woman who thinks I'm a wildlife consultant named Max. A woman who has no idea she's about to meet one of the most reclusive tech billionaires in the country.
But for the first time in three years, the risk feels worth taking.
5
CHANTAY
The week passes in a blur of nervous energy and constant texting. Max sends me photos of Ghost stealing his breakfast and Ranger attempting to help with paperwork. I send him pictures of my coffee attempts and Maya rolling her eyes at my phone checking.
By Friday afternoon, I'm a mess of anticipation and terror.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," Maya observes from my couch. "And you've changed outfits four times."
"I am insane. I'm meeting a stranger I've known for a week who's flying across the country to see me."
"It's also textbook romantic." Maya adjusts my necklace. "You've been happier this week than I've seen you in years."
"What if it's not the same in person? What if we have nothing to talk about?"
"Then you'll know. But what if it's even better?"
I smooth my hands over the emerald-green dress I finally settled on. Sophisticated but not too formal, shows off my curves without being obvious.
"What if he takes one look at me and realizes he made a mistake?"
"What if you take one look at him and realize you're falling in love?"
"Love? Maya, I've known him for a week."
"Time doesn't determine feelings, Chantay. Connection does."
My phone buzzes.
Max: Just landed. On my way to the hotel to check in. Still good for dinner at seven?
My stomach flips.
Me: Still good. Though I'm officially terrified.
Max: Good terrified or bad terrified?
Me: Is there a difference?
Max: Good terrified means you care enough to be nervous. Bad terrified means you want to run.
Me: Definitely good terrified then.
Max: Me too. See you at seven, beautiful.
An hour later, I'm standing outside Bacchanalia, checking my lipstick for the third time. Max suggested this place after I said I wanted somewhere special.
My phone buzzes.
