“I mean, there was this work thing I had going on that I asked her opinion on, but she gave me a very honest answer and good advice. I don’t see how that would have turned her off, but obviously, something’s happened.”
“Maybe she’s just busy. Have you thought about that?”
I let out a long breath. “I mean, maybe, but don’t you think she would have said so? We spoke about day seven coming up. Her texts even seemed like she was excited to really talk to me. Then nothing.”
“David, I’m sorry. I know that sucks.”
“I just don’t get it. But then I wonder why I’m so upset about someone I’ve never met.”
I chuckle, realizing how wild that sounds, which she matches my tone.
“Yeah. That’s a fact. But you did like her, didn’t you?”
I stare up at the ceiling, thinking about that question.
How do you really like someone you’ve never met?
When I don’t answer, she continues, “I know this is a very different situation, and I’m sure that adds to the confusion of it all.”
“That’s the understatement of the year,” I sarcastically spit out.
“I do feel it’s possible to fall for someone over the phone. Long-distance relationships work for that reason. You get to really know the person. I bet you felt like you truly knew this girl even though it was only a week.”
“Yeah. I really did. It sounds crazy though.”
“Love is crazy. Saying it’s crazy is the only thing that actually makes sense!”
I laugh out loud. “Facts!”
“There’s a reason the saying, ‘Love makes you do crazy things,’ even exists.”
“You’re right.” I sigh, letting her words sink in. “Thanks, sis.”
“No problem. I’m sorry that happened. I hope you’ll at least learn why so you can have some kind of closure. At least you know it’s not because of your ugly ass,” she teases, making me laugh.
No matter how old we get, we’ll still treat each other like siblings.
“Yeah. I’ll see you on Friday?”
“Can’t wait!”
I hang up, feeling a little better, and decide to call it a night before I go down the lonely rabbit hole again of wondering what went wrong.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Zoe
David and I are meeting at the office this morning, and then we’ll share a car to the airport. Having to bring my luggage to work annoys the shit out of me, but not as much as the anticipation this trip has caused me and my body. My stomach is in knots, my head is a mess about what I should do, and this damn app keeps reminding me that I have a message to respond to because I haven’t clicked anything yet.
I know I can click that I want more time, but then what do I say? I can’t continue like we were, knowing it’s him. No matter how much I wanted to keep going with this online relationship, I don’t know if I can now. We have too much history, filled with hatred. How would that ever change to love?
It can’t, and it won’t. I need to just forget about it and move on.
I turn the corner, and of course he’s walking my way. Why we always seem to meet each other at the front door of our building is beyond me. It’s like it’s the universe’s way of showing me nomatter what I do, I’m not in charge of what really happens in my life.
He holds the door open for me, which is a bit of a surprise, considering he was at least four steps ahead of me, but I guess slamming the door in my face isn’t a great way to start a trip together.
“Zoe.” He nods.
