Because I haven’t heard from you in three weeks.
Because I can’t just bail on all the important things in my life when you call.
Because I need to protect my heart from you.
Me: I’m studying with friends.
Jason: Next Thursday?
That’s so far away, but I don’t want to seem too eager and suggest something sooner.
Me: Cool.
I need to remember. We’re just friends.
Jason: Cool:)
Twenty-One
ADRIENNE
This has beenthe longest week of my life
I don’t think that I’ve ever looked more forward to a night out with a man as much as I do this one, and that’s both thrilling and frightening for me. According to the agency’s protocol, the second date was supposed to be my pick, but since he initiated asking me for tacos, I thought I’d just follow his lead.
By Monday night I wasn’t sure if there was going to be a date at all, I hadn’t heard from him, but I was adamant that it wouldn’t be me who would reach out. I was already getting too invested. Too excited. I needed to pull back some. We were just friends who were sticking to a commitment we made. This is not an actual date.
On Wednesday night, I received another bouquet of flowers from Jason with a card that simply stated the address of the Mexican restaurant we will meet at.
Reservation is for: 7pm
2178 Wheeler Street
-J
“You sound excited, A.” Dena notices.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. What are the chances that the man I set you up with is the same hottie from the bar? If that’s not kismet, I don’t know what is.”
“Now you’re taking credit for setting me up?”
“Absolutely, girl. You fought me tooth and nail about going on this date. If it wasn’t for me, you probably would’ve never seen hot bar guy again.”
“It’s not a real date though, Dena. This is a favor for Caroline on both of our parts. Which I’m still wondering what kind of connection someone like him has to her.”
“Someone like him?”
“I don’t think a guy like him travels in Caroline’s circles.”
“Well, confidentiality is a huge part of Caroline’s brand, so I have no idea. She won’t even tell me his full legal name, and I didn’t tell her you knew him from the bar. At this point, I’m staying out of it. So if you want more answers, you’re just going to have to ask the man himself.”
I already embarrassed myself once by acting surprised that he’d attended college, so I’m not trying to go there again. It’s not as if all of Caroline’s friends are wealthy. Dena isn’t. It’s really none of my business how he knows her. I’m going to leave it alone.
“So is everything completely over with Troy?”
“Totally, oh, did I mention I think he’s been in my house again?”
