A sound I haven’t heard in a while dings from my phone, making me jump out of bed, fumbling for it from my nightstand before it drops to the floor.
I lean down to pick it up, seeing I have a message on the Mystery Match app.
I swipe it open, dying to see if it’s David or just some random match that I’ve been connected with.
When I see David’s name flash across my screen, I yelp, covering my mouth as tears instantly fill my eyes.
Are you ever going to allow the app to fully match us?
I close my eyes, not sure if I should laugh or cry, but knowing that all I have to do is reply, and the app will do just as he asked.
I know he has my number, and there’s no reason for us to talk through this app anymore, but I like that he reached out this way, so I play along.
I wanted to make sure you wouldn’t freak out when you found out who I really was.
The app starts to play a fun tune as the screen displays fireworks and a graphic that states:
Congratulations on your match!
I wait for him to make the next move, wondering if he’ll keep it on the app or call me directly. He is rowing this boat, and I want to go at his speed.
I don’t think I’ll freak out. So, tell me, Jenelle, who are you?
I rub my lips together, trying to figure out what kind of game he’s playing by keeping this on the app and still callingme Jenelle. I decide honesty is the best way to start this new conversation between us.
First, I should tell you that my real name is Zoe. I used my middle name on here to avoid any creeps from figuring out who I really was.
It’s smart to protect yourself that way. The city can be full of creeps, especially those who leave without saying a word.
I wouldn’t call anyone who did that a creep. I bet they would have a really good reason for doing so.
That’s still to be debated.
There’s a pause in our conversation, and every second that ticks away makes it harder for me to breathe. I want to talk to him. I want to beg him to forgive me, but I also want to make sure I don’t run him off again.
So now that we’ve been matched and I know who you are, would it be okay if I called you when I got back in town?
Knowing the wedding isn’t for five more days breaks my heart. I want to talk to him now. I want to clear the air and make sure we’re okay, but I also want this to be on his terms and him reaching out to me is step one. Obviously, he needs more time, so I want to give him that.
I’d like that.
Great. I hope to get to know you better, really see where this can go.
I gasp as tears fall down my face. He may still need time, but him saying he wants to see where our relationship can go is all I need to hear. He can take as much time as he wants. I know I’ll be here, waiting for him, because he’s the kind of guy who’s worth the wait.
I want that more than anything else in the world.
Glad to hear it. Have a good night.
You too.
I wait for him to reply, but when I realize he’s not going to, I close the app, put my phone back on the charger, and try to get any type of sleep now that I know we at least have some kind of hope for our future.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
David
I slide my suit jacket on and make sure my sleeves are correct before looking in the mirror to fix my bow tie.
