That last time, though, seemed different. Almost like it was more than just sex, which is insane considering we barely know each other.I didn’t know what to say or how to leave things, and figured it was best just to let it be, but now I wish I hadn’t.
Steering the conversation to safer subjects and doing my best to remain calm, I stay long enough to finish my drink before making an excuse to head out.
I almost sent a text right when I reached the car, but decided to wait, obsessing about it the entire drive home. Thus, it’s ready to send the minute my front door shuts behind me. Not that it’s any better for having waited.
Braden: Hey, this is Braden. Cici gave me your number.
It doesn’t take long for her response to come over.
Poppy: Hi?
Braden: I wanted to check in and make sure you’re still feeling okay about that night.
Poppy: Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?
Braden: It seemed a bit out of your wheelhouse. Hoping you weren’t regretting it or beating yourself up.
Poppy: Nothing you need to worry about.
Braden: I disagree, since I’m the cause.
Poppy: I’m an adult. I could’ve said no.
Braden: But you didn’t.
Poppy: Nope, I didn’t
Braden: I’m glad.
Poppy: Me too.
Relief floods my system. I didn’t realize how worried I’d been, wondering if she regretted our last night together. But now that I have the answer, what do I do with it?
It’s not like I can ask her why she’s so eager to replace me. She’dknow I was talking to Cici about her, and that would give too much away. I’m not sure what else to say—having no excuse to keep the conversation going. And when nothing comes to mind, I decide to let it die.
But as days pass and I’m still perseverating over what feels like unfinished business, I know I need to think of something. Inspiration finally hits, and although it seems drastic, I’m getting desperate at this point.
Braden: Would you be open to some company next week?
Poppy: Why?
Braden: I’ll be in Bozeman for a meeting and thought we could see each other.
I don’t have any such plans yet. But it wouldn’t take long to make a trip happen. She doesn’t answer right away, and my palms sweat as I wait. Damn, this woman drives me crazy.
Poppy: Probably not a good idea.
Braden: Why?
Poppy: Because we had our fun, and now we’re done.
Braden: We don’t have to be.
Poppy: Yes, we do. You don’t do relationships, remember? Enjoy your time in Bozeman, but it won’t be with me.
Fuck. So much for that. I certainly can’t show up after she blatantly turned me down. It’s not until I’m putting myself through another grueling workout at the gym that I’m struck by pure genius.
When I type the words “dating app with no picture”into Google, two different options appear on the screen. Not bad odds, but why make a profile on both when I can simply ask Eli which site she used? Time is money.
