“Amber?” Sophia nearly squealed, which was very unlike her. “Houston, do we have a name??”
Preston grinned. “We do. I got all courageous and told her who I was, and she introduced herself. She’s a yoga teacher at the studio down the street from the juice bar.”
“I can totally see that.” Sophia beamed. “Preston, that’s awesome. You should definitely invite her to Friendsgiving. Oh, but first, find out if she’s vegan or whatever, so I know if we need to make some veggie-friendly sides.”
“This is so incredible. The cuffing season really worked this year. We’re all going to have dates for the holidays.” I sighed. “I never actually believed it would work.” Pushing back from the table, I stood up. “Okay. I’m going home to write about my Faith Two date—damn, I gotta stop calling her that behind her back. My Faith date. And I’m going to write about the rest of us making love connections, too.”
“Don’t mention names.” Sophia frowned. “Zeke doesn’t know about this whole cuffing season thing, and I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”
“Yeah, and everything with Amber is a work in progress,” Preston reminded me. “So keep it all in the generalities, okay, my boy?”
“Absolutely,” I promised. “No names, no particulars. Just all the happily ever afters for the three of us. My readers are going to love this.”
My friends, I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I’ve got great news. I met a wonderful woman, we went on an amazing date, and I’ve got high hopes for what comes next. I’m trying not to rush things with us, but I realize I want to spend more and more time with her—I think that’s a good sign.
In other positive news, it looks like both Preston and Sophia have also met special someones. Preston’s yee wooing is a work in progress, so I can’t share too many deets just now. I haven’t met Sophia’s new friend, so I have no idea if he’s a stand-up dude or if maybe he’s a serial killer. Who knows?
Hey, the cuffing season isn’t always easy, friends. We all have our ups and downs. But I have a feeling that from here on out, I’m going to be seeing only the ups.
7
Harry:Hey! Want to meet me at the climbing gym tonight and then get coffee after? I know a great place.
Faith:Sure! What time? I have class until 4:30.
Harry:I work until 5:30, so how about 6?
Faith:Perfect. See you then. <3
* * *
Harry:Are you working tonight? I was going to bring Faith over to the coffee shop after we climb.
Sophia:No, sorry. I’m off and I’ve got plans.
Harry:Okay, don’t worry. I’ll catch you later. Preston’s working anyway, so we’ll do it another time.
Sophia:Sure.
* * *
Harry:Last night was so much fun. You’re an amazing climber. Hope the coffee didn’t keep you up. J
Faith:Yes, I had fun, too. No, I slept like a baby. LOL
Harry:I’ll pick you up at 5 for dinner on Wednesday? Like we talked about?
Faith:Oh, about that—I have a paper due on Thursday, and I won’t have time to polish it up until Wednesday. Can we put off dinner until another night?
Harry:Of course, I understand. Get your paper done, and then we’ll work out a time.
* * *
Faith:Hey, Harry. I’m sorry that I had to cancel again on you last night.
Harry:No problem, I know stuff comes up.
Faith:Yeah, well . . . I hate to do this over text, but here’s the thing. I thought I could handle being in a relationship, that I could juggle everything, but the truth is, I can’t. I’m not ready to do it. I’m so sorry, Harry, and I hope we can still be friends. I really like you. You’re a great guy, and I’ve enjoyed the time we spent together. Please don’t hate me.
