"You dumped David because he used too many emojis."
"He used the eggplant emoji, Maya. Unironically."
"My point stands. You find reasons to end things when they start getting real."
"This is different."
"How?"
"Because I'm already vulnerable. I'm already invested. I'm already imagining what it would be like to be with someone who makes me feel this way all the time."
My phone buzzes again.
Mountain Man:Crisis averted. Ghost has decided to share the chair in exchange for belly rubs. Ranger is pretending he's above such negotiations.
Me: Sounds like you're running a very democratic household.
Mountain Man:More like a benevolent dictatorship where I pretend to be in charge.
Me: The best kind of leadership. How's the survey data review going?
Mountain Man:Boring spreadsheets and territory maps. I'd rather be tracking the actual animals.
Me: I know the feeling. Sometimes I miss the creative side of marketing.
Mountain Man:What got you into marketing in the first place?
I pause,considering how to answer.
Me: I like the psychology of it. Understanding what makes people connect with brands, what makes them feel something.
Mountain Man:That's more complex than I would have thought.
Me: Most people think marketing is just pretty pictures and catchy slogans. But really it's about human connection.
Mountain Man:Is that what you're doing with me? Using your marketing psychology?
The question catchesme off guard.
Me: Maybe a little. But not in a manipulative way. More like... being genuinely interested in who you are.
Mountain Man:And who do you think I am?
"Earth to Chantay,"Maya says. "You've been staring at your phone for five minutes."
"He asked me something complicated."
"What kind of complicated?"
"He wants to know who I think he is."
Maya studies my face. "What are you going to tell him?"
"The truth, I guess."
Me:I think you're someone who understands that trust is earned, not given. Someone who's built a life where you can't be disappointed because you don't let people close enough. But also, someone who's lonely enough to have a three-day conversation with a stranger who accidentally sent you a photo.
I hit send beforeI can second guess myself.
