But you didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not like you’re cheating.
I need some time to sort out my feelings. I’m so sorry, Maddie, but I’m going to pass on the dance.
Riley
Maddie?
Maddie, why are you being so quiet?
Maddie
Just tired, I guess.
So anyway, I need to cancel the blind date. I’m so sorry.
Maddie
No
Riley
LOL nice try.
What do you mean, no?
Maddie
Because it will look bad for business, and it’s a mixer for singles in town, and technically, you are single. It’s just one night, Ari. And you might actually be surprised at who I paired you up with.
Riley
OMG IS IT FOSTER?
Maddie
Goodnight!
I set my phone down and stare into space.
I don’t know what to do here.
How can I go on a blind date with someone while thinking about Foster? It feels wrong and unfair to that other person. I can’t give anyone a fair shot at this point.
On the other hand, I have to support my friend.
That’s that, then. I get on with hair and makeup.
There’s no way she’d set me up with Foster, would she?
I mean, if she did, that would make everything a hell of a lot more convenient.
Maddie is pretty intuitive, but what are the chances?
Then again, maybe last night was a setup. It does seem like she sent him to help me decorate for a reason. Or maybe he was just the only person available who said yes.
This is too much pressure. If it is Foster I’m being set up with, then I don’t want our first date to be in front of the whole town. I don’t want to go through the forced march of dating at all. These things should be more organic.
And if it isn’t Foster, then it’s going to be forced small talk and ultimately fail anyway because all I’ll be thinking about is how to sort through my feelings about Foster.
