“And they told you to come out with us tonight so they could set you up withme?” His words suddenly don’t sound very promising and my stomach rolls uneasily.
“You’re making it sound like you had no idea this was supposed to be a set-up.” The waves in my stomach coil higher and I set my fork down next to my plastic salad bowl fearful I might need to run to the restroom to expel everything I just inhaled.
Greg cleared his throat and leaned forward. “It’s just that—and Nate is well aware of this fact—I’m transferring for work to California next month. To live.”
My stomach drops.
He lays his hand over my hand. “This may not be something your friend Julia knows, but like I said. Nate knows.”
“So, he set you up with me knowing you were not going to want to begin a relationship with someone?” My voice is a trembling mess. Why would Nate do that to me?
“Honestly, Jane. I wish I wasn’t leaving because I would really like to get to know you. But right now, I’m not in a place in my life where I want to start something long distance.”
“Oh, yeah. Of course.” I push my plate away, unable to even look at the food. I’m still ravenous, but the thought of projectile vomiting all over this nice man is a very real possibility. “You don’t have to explain. I understand, believe me I do.”
He stands and holds out his hand for a businesslike handshake. “Well then, Jane. It was a pleasure. If you’re ever in California, look me up.”
I offer him a closed mouth smile and a nod. I’ll never see Greg again, whether he just made up that whole moving scenario to get out of another date with me or if it were true, either way I wasn’t seeing him ever again. And that was fine.
Greg makes his way to the exit, and I watch him walk through the door and leave. I’m left alone, nestled in a table against smudged windows with a view of Greg as he strolls down the street.
A bunch of loud teenage girls cupping their coffees sit at the open table next to mine. They’re all wearing identical outfits: skinny jeans with boots, tight sweaters and cute little jackets. Everyone’s hair is shiny and straight, their complexions clear and tan. I don’t even remember going to coffee houses when I was younger, hanging out with my friends. I don’t really remember ever fitting in with any crowd.
I drag myself out and onto the sidewalk and just stand there. Still. Looking around. Feeling really defeated and sad.
I pull out my phone, but there’s no one to call.
I scroll through my contacts but the only name that pops out at me is Dex’s.
Jane:I just got set up on a date with someone who is moving to California next month, until forever.
I start walking home,but I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket almost immediately.
Dex:WTF?
Jane: My thoughts exactly. AND, I was tricked into eating a spicy meal. I took one bite and that was it. I almost died.
Dex: Almost died? Really?
Jane: Well, it felt like it. I had to go to a coffee shop and eat something after.
Dex: Where are you now? Are you okay?
Jane: Walking home.
Dex: You’re by yourself?
Jane: Nope, bad luck is with me. I think it’s going to move in and ask for my hand in marriage.
Dex: Lol. Shut up. Give me 10 minutes and I’ll be at your door.
Jane: What? Why?
Dex: To give you some good luck. I’ll let you rub my belly for it.
Jane: You don’t have to. I’m okay.
Dex: But I can stop for ice cream!
