I lift my head and reach for the glass, but Macy stops me.
“How about we talk this one out first?”
She hands me a napkin, so I grab it from her and wipe my eyes, then look up to the ceiling, willing the tears to stop.
“David is David.” My voice cracks as I admit what I’ve been trying to wrap my head around all day.
“David is David?” Chasity asks. Then it hits her, and she gasps, covering her mouth in shock.
Macy speaks up. “Online DavidisWork David?”
I nod, making more tears fall down my face.
“Oh, girl.” She pushes my drink toward me. “Drink up all you want.”
A laugh escapes my lips, but it’s short-lived. I don’t grab my drink. Instead, I let out a breath, sagging my shoulders and slumping in my chair, feeling absolutely defeated.
“How did you figure it out?” Candace asks.
“It’s day seven!” Joey says, sounding like he’s happy the app worked, but then he remembers the situation, quickly tamping down his excitement to act as normal as possible.
I raise my eyebrows and nod slowly. “Yep, it’s day seven.”
I was so excited about today. I wanted to know who he was so bad! I dreamed of finally getting to see what he looked like, finally meeting the man of my dreams, and of us finally getting to talk in person, only to find out he’s the person I hate more than anything.
“What did he say when you guys found out?” Candace asks.
“He doesn’t know yet.” I turn to Joey, pointing my finger at him. “And don’t tell him!”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “I don’t even know the guy!” He places one hand on my back, rubbing it softly. “I’msorry you’re going through this though. I feel responsible in a way.”
“You’re not. The app worked. You guys did a good job. I was genuinely thinking he could be someone for me.” More tears fall down my cheeks.
“But, wait, if he doesn’t know, how do you know?” Joey asks.
I drop my head back and take in a deep inhale. “I was able to put two and two together after our horrendous meeting this morning.” I take my phone from my purse and show everyone. “And he messaged me about the encounter, only he had no clue he was sending it to me.”
“No. Way,” Chasity says in disbelief as Joey is called back to the bar.
He gives me a sad expression before turning and leaving.
“I get how you didn’t put it together with so many Davids in the world, but, Zoe … you don’t think he has a little clue?” Chasity asks.
“That’s another problem I have to face. He thinks my name is Jenelle. Remember, I didn’t put my real name.”
Everyone’s expression reveals what I’m thinking inside.
“What are you going to do?” Macy asks.
I pick up my glass. “Right now, I’m going to drink and try to forget that I was falling for someone I hate.”
“Maybe you don’t hate him like you think,” Candace says, all sweet and innocent.
I eye her, lift my glass in cheers, and take another sip, knowing that’s the exact problem I’m facing, but what if he finds out who I am and that’s a deal-breaker?
David
I enter my apartment and toss my stuff on my couch, needing a beer after the day I had. I know Zoe and I are always at each other’s throat, but doing what I did today was different. It really wasn’t done maliciously, but I don’t think she’ll ever see that.
