We call it a night after one more drink, and by the time I crawl into bed, I’m powerless from sending a message, even though she’ll probably be asleep, since she’s an hour ahead. Lucky for me, she’s not.
Braden: It was unfortunate to miss book club tonight.
Poppy: For you maybe…
Braden: Is that so? Did you do something without me?
Poppy: Thankfully, I have more books, and I certainly don’t need your assistance for other things.
Braden: That may be true, but is it as good?
Poppy: Iplead the fifth.
Braden: Hey, that’s my line.
Poppy: How was your night?
Braden: It was nice. I missed you, though…
Shit, I regret it the minute I hit send. What am I doing? It’s too soon for that.
Poppy: Oh, I know what you missed, all right. On that note, good night.
Braden: Good night, Poppy.
The next day was hell after barely sleeping. That last text had me tossing and turning, regretting the admission, while at the same time wishing it were something she could actually believe. Her opinion of Braden is still complete shit.
But really, I haven’t done much to correct it, which is my priority for tomorrow’s visit: show her another side of me—a softer side.
In the meantime, it was Owen’s turn tonight. We ended up talking about our choice of dating apps and agreed that it’s been easier getting to know one another this way, without the typical awkwardness or distractions. We discussed hobbies, places we’ve traveled, and where we’d like to go. It was another perfect interaction between the two.
We’ve yet to disagree on anything, which is insane considering that she and I started out so terribly in real life. I royally fucked up from the beginning as Braden. In all fairness, Iwasonly trying to fuck her. Now, I can’t imagine that ever being enough.
I’ve got a lot of ground to cover to change her perception of me, and it will be much easier to do in person, but first, I need to put the wheels in motion for it to work.
After crawling into bed and setting my alarm for five in the morning, I pull her name up to send one last text before closing my eyes.
Braden: I have a surprise for you tomorrow.
Poppy: Oh yeah? What kind ofsurprise?
Braden: The surprise kind.
Poppy: How am I getting this surprise?
Braden: I’m glad you asked. I was hoping you were free for dinner tomorrow night.
Poppy: Why? Are we doing book club and ordering in at the same time again?
Braden: Something like that. Are you available at six-thirty?
Poppy: Sure.
Braden: Go to Plonk and give your name to the hostess. They’ll direct you from there. Do you know the place?
Poppy: Of course I do, I live here. So you’re buying me dinner. That’s the surprise?
Braden: Do you need a vocabulary lesson?
