He wrote them as if we were long-distance lovers keeping in touch through the mail. He told me how much he missed me and would fill me in on his daily life. He talked about his past and the relationship that broke him—the woman who cheated on him, which I learned about originally from Owen.
It was Braden the entire time, split into two people. The letters combined both personalities and blended them into one. I’m weeping as I lay the last page down, trying to decide what to do. When Ipick up my phone to look at the pictures on his profile again, an idea comes to mind.
Braden
Private jets are the way to go. I arrived by ten this morning and am sitting in a coffee shop near Poppy’s house waiting for… well, I’m not exactly sure what for, but I hope whatever it is, that it happens soon. I’ve been anxious since Cici told me that Poppy found my profile.
Poppy’s reading the letters as we speak, according to Cici, and I’m a bundle of nerves, wondering if they’ll have the intended effect or backfire. Bringing up the entire situation after she may have been ready to forgive me might not be the best idea, but how can you go forward without putting the past to rest?
After weeks without her, my patience has run out, and if I don’t hear something soon, I’ll end up at her door, regardless of whether it’s a dumb move or not. I can’t stay away any longer. I need to hold her, tell her how I feel, beg for forgiveness, and a chance to make it right.
I’m staring into space, eyes fixed on the sidewalk outside, when my phone pings. Hoping it’s Cici with an update, I’m surprised to see a message notification from the dating app. A woman would have to be psycho if they saw that profile and still reached out, but I guess some people can’t resist a good chase.
Oh, the irony.
When I open it up, though, it’s not some psycho woman, it’s my woman. I’m out of my seat in a flash, practically running as I type my response.
Poppy: It says you like to read. What’s your favorite book?
Braden: Whatever my girlfriend is reading.
Poppy: If you have a girlfriend, why are you on a dating site?
Braden: To get her back.
Poppy: What happens if you do?
Braden: Then I make it up to her in the best way possible.
Poppy: Such as?
Braden: Me, on my knees, willing to do whatever it takes.
Poppy: What if you’re too far away for that?
Braden: We could always FaceTime.
Poppy: What if she won’t? It says that’s a deal-breaker for you.
Braden: What’s your deal-breaker?
I need to keep her talking until I’m at her door.
Poppy: Someone who poses as someone they’re not.
Braden: So are you up for a FaceTime to prove we’re who we say we are?
Poppy: We probably should.
Braden: Give me a few seconds to ring through.
I stand in place and hold my phone up to dial.
She picks up after three rings, and I’m instantly relieved at the sight of her face with a shy smile to go with it.
“Hi,” she says quietly.
“Hey, beautiful. I’ve missed you.”
