He appears concerned, not disgusted, which is what I’d expect given how unput-together I am.
“You look like you haven’t slept in days, which means something happened since we last talked.”
I plop my elbows down and drop my head into my hands, groaning. The sound of the door shutting brings it back up as Matt sits in one of the two chairs in front of my desk.
“Is this about Braden?”
“Him and Owen, the guy from the app.”
“Have you met him in person yet?”
“No, and that’s the problem. We got approval to exchange pictures last night, well, with the purchase of a membership, which is total bullshit. But anyway, he doesn’t want to meetorsend photos. He just wants to keep talking.”
“He obviously has something to hide.”
“That was my first thought, but then he said he feels like we’ve gotten to know each other more this way. I said I’d give it a week and then we take the next step or I’m out—more or less.”
“More or less?”
“Well, I didn’t say exactly that, but he got the point and agreed to my terms.”
“Well, I told you once, but I’ll say again. Be careful with what you tell him. He might have a reason for not wanting to show his face, and the last thing you want is some stalker figuring out who you are.”
“He’s not like that. It’s no different than any other new relationship.”
He leans forward, taking a more serious stance. “Except you’ve never laid eyes on him and have no idea who he is. Like I said, you used your real name, which is unique to begin with. You live in a fairly small town, and because you’re a realtor, you’re easy to find on the internet.”
“Okay, you made your point. I still don’t think he’s like that.” At the look he gives me, I concede. “But, fine, I’ll be more careful.”
“You said this was about Braden too. Why?”
I’ll have to tread lightly since I know he doesn’t like him. “He surprised me with a visit this weekend.”
Matt’s mouth drops open. “Here? To Bozeman? That’s why I didn’t hear a peep out of you.”
“Yeah. He has a client in Big Sky, so he came for a meeting and stayed until yesterday.”
“How convenient.” His sarcastic tone is annoying.
“Listen, I know you don’t like him, but I do. At least I’m starting to. A lot. And that’s the problem. He wants more, and I’m not ready to give it to him.”
“More as in… what exactly?” he asks suspiciously.
“As in exclusivity. Which means I’d have to cut things off with Owen, but I like him too.”
“Fuck Poppy. How did you end up with one guy who’s a potential stalker and another who basically is, since he showed up unannounced?”
“You can just go if you’re going to be a dick about it.”
He sighs in resignation. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to you being so stressed, and I don’t like it. What does Cici say about it all?”
“I can’t talk to her about it. She sees Braden all the time, and I don’t want her to say anything to him. Plus, if she told Eli, it would make its way back to Braden since they’re such good friends.” I look at him guiltily. “That’s why I’m talking to you.”
He scoffs. “So I’m your only option, basically.”
I nod, and he shakes his head.
“It sounds to me like a week from today you’ll have your answer. Either Owen will agree to meet, or you ditch his ass.”
