When we finish talking and end the call, I go back to my game. I lose track of time as I play, falling into a bit of a video game haze. It’s only when I hear the front door open that I snap out of it and realize that nearly two hours have passed.
Pausing the game, I turn to see Rylee strolling into the apartment, her arms loaded with shopping bags. Holy shit! She went fullPretty Woman.
She looks my way and purses her lips. “Lower your brows and wipe that shocked look off your face. This is budget shopping.”
I frown. “What’s budget shopping?”
She sets her bags down in front of the island before answering, “I take my finances very seriously, but retail therapy helps me clear my head, so I make sure to always include it in my budgeting. Plus, I work hard… I’ve earned this, okay? So get off my back!”
I put my hands up as if in surrender. “Hey, no judgement. You do you.” Lowering my hands, I regard her a moment before asking, “Have you eaten yet? I thought I’d throw something together, or maybe order a pizza.”
She gives me a small smile before nodding. “I did, thanks.”
Drumming my fingers on the back of the couch, I hesitate before growing a pair and inviting her to hang out.
“Do you, uh, want to play video games?”
She blinks at me, nibbling her bottom lip as she appears to consider my offer. Part of me wants her to decide to cancel her eight o’clock date withGlideControlZand choose me, Zander, instead. However, she sighs and shakes her head. “Thanks, but I’m pretty exhausted and have to get up early to be at the hotel to get everything set up.”
Yeah… it was a shot in the dark. Why would she choose me overGlideControlZ?
“Oh, yeah,” I murmur. “You gotta be there way before me, huh?”
She nods. “Uh huh, so I’ll meet you there, okay? I’m going to go relax in my room and go to bed.”
“Sure, sounds good.”
“Come on, Gizmo.” She pats her leg and Gizmo hops up and follows her as she turns and heads down the hall to her room.
I watch them go and wait until I hear the door shuts before grabbing my phone and logging into Cloak and typing out a message to Rylee’s profile.
GlideControlZ: Hey! How’s your day been?
ClickTease: It’s been good! I’ve been getting lots of work done on this big project I’ve been assigned and am feeling good about it.
GlideControlZ: Awesome! Might I propose a little break? You ready for our date?
I make sure my phone is on vibrate so she can’t hear it go off when she responds.
ClickTease: Yes I am! What are you thinking for tonight?
I chuckle and shake my head. So much for her being exhausted.
GlideControlZ: Want to try the Casino night?
ClickTease: Ooooh, yeah! That’ll be fun.
I quickly grab my laptop and login to the website and we meet up in the virtual casino.
GlideControlZ: Blackjack?
ClickTease: Let’s go
We hop into a virtual blackjack table and as the cards are dealt, we chat back and forth. It’s only now that I know who she is that I realize how few details she actually gives about her life inthese conversations. It’s understandable, of course, since in her mind we haven’t actually met in person, but it stands out a lot more now.
ClickTease: Have you ever gone to a real casino?
GlideControlZ: A few times. Mostly at a friend’s request.
