Jane: That’s it, I’m coming over and if you are not home, I’m calling the police.
Whoa. I sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.
Emma: Sorry I didn’t call back last night, and I was sleeping this morning. You know it’s like 5:30 a.m., right?
Three dots blinked as Jane wrote her reply.
Jane: Oh my gosh, I was going to call the police. You can’t do that to me.
I crisscrossed my legs and smiled as I thought through the night before. It felt a bit like a dream. Everything seemed brighter.
Emma: Yeah, sorry. When you called last night, we were still hanging out, and by the time I got home I fell right into bed.
Jane: oh…
Jane: OH!!!!
Jane: So it was good then, yes?!
I giggled. After Leo’s we spent well over an hour walking around downtown. We talked about everything and nothing at the same time.
Emma: Yeah, it was good.
Jane: I NEED MORE DETAILS
I plopped back on my pillows and looked at the ceiling, not able to contain my smile.
Emma: Well he asked if I had plans tomorrow afternoon? I think we are going to check out a few vintage shops to look for the film reels he needs.
Jane: AHHHHHHHHHH!
Jane: Okay, was he nice? I mean other than looking, because we know that.She sent a flame emoji.
I bit my bottom lip and thought of him holding doors open for me, how he insisted he walk on the traffic side of sidewalks, and that he escorted me to my car.
Emma: It was perfect. He was a perfect gentleman.
Jane sent a string of emojis, from party streamers to dancing to kisses.
I needed to get ready for work, and all this would be better in person. I got out of bed and went to start the shower.
Emma: I need to shower but maybe you can come by the shop on your lunch break?
Jane: I will be there!! So happy for you, Em!
I was happy too. It was fun playing Cupid, but I never got this rush of nerves and butterflies. What if it all ends as fast as it started?
Emma: But what happens if it’s all in my head? What if he doesn’t feel the same? What if he likes me at the start but he changes his mind?
I tried to remind myself to let it play out. I rubbed my hand through my hair and bounced my leg. I was quickly spiraling, and I knew it. And Jane knew it.
Jane: Em, deep breaths. All those things are the future’s job to figure out. You don’t get to know the ending from the start. No one does. Right now your job is to shower, lean in to hope, and be excited!!!! Cya at lunch!
I was thankful for the millionth time that Jane was in my life. I took a deep breath and hopped in the shower.
The day dragged on at work and flew by too quickly at the same time. At lunch Jane and I picked apart every possible interaction for double meaning. I couldn’t wait to see Grant tomorrow, but I was also terrified.
I wiped down the shelves of assorted china. My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I saw a text from Grant. The butterflies in my stomach and the quickened beat of my heart confirmed it—I was definitely feeling something for him.
