I can’t help but huff out a mortified laugh. We’ve exchanged only a handful of emails. I don’t really know Jude at all, and somehow I assumed with Sami just now that he meant he was in a relationship withme. Have I rushed into this romance like a kid cannonballing into a pool without checking whether there’s any water?
Jude was in Oregon for a wedding, yes, but was he also visiting the person he’s in a relationship with? Could that be why he hasn’t approved my Instagram request? Because he knows I’d see him in photos with someone?
I’ve let all this move so quickly, too quickly. Jude is just another tech bro chatting up a woman online. I’ve drunk Clara’s Hallmark Kool-Aid, thinking there was something wildly fated about us, when in reality fate doesn’t exist and romance is never as clean as two comets perfectly crossing paths in the sky.
The last time I dove into something with such gusto, such impulse, such optimism, it was taking a job at PitchSlapped, and look how that turned out for me.
Leaving Jude to his conversation, I chuck my flyers into the nearby trash can and head to the elevator.
February 10, 2026
iMessage
Jordan P.
Just ASK him, dumbass.
Clara C.
I agree, Ronnie.
I know you’re upset, but from the outside it seems crazy to not just ask him if he’s seeing anyone
Veronica C.
I already did! We literally already had the “I’m single” conversation.
Clara C.
Yeah, and I guess if he is seeing someone, he wouldn’t be up front about it anyway.
Veronica C.
Right? Well, whatever. I really should not have gotten involved with someone I’m professionally connected to.
Also he still hasn’t approved my Instagram friend request
Jordan P.
Omg stop it, are you thirteen?
You’re driving the clown car right now
Veronica C.
Sorry. I’m sure it’s frustrating to watch from the outside, but I just don’t want to get hurt
Clara C.
No, we’re sorry, sweetie.
Veronica C.
I’ll be fine.
Email correspondence between Veronica Cochran and Jude Tilde
Subject: Delivery of Marketing Deck
