I consider my response.You seemed occupied.
There’s a longer pause this time.It was barely a date.
He looked invested.
He’s invested in Tuscany. Not me.
I allow myself the smallest exhale.I assumed it was serious.
It wasn’t. Did you actually see us?
There is no advantage in lying.Yes.
Perry:Oh.
I wasn’t spying.
Perry:That’s exactly what a spy would say.
Despite myself, I smile.I was taking a walk.
Perry:And accidentally noticed me on a date.
Correct.
There’s a bit of a pause.Are you mad?
Mad? No.That is not the word I would use.
Perry:Disappointed?
I adjusted expectations.
Three dots.That’s so clinical.
I snort.I am a doctor, you know.
You thought I wasn’t into you.
How do I say this without sounding pathetic?I thought you were exploring your options.
Perry:I was bored out of my mind.
He seemed appropriate.
Perry:He was.There’s a beat, and then,When he tried to kiss me at my door, I turned him down flat.
The image forms uninvited. My jaw tightens.Why?
Perry:Because I keep thinking about you.
The stiffness I’ve maintained all evening fractures. Completely. I stare at her last message longer than I should. There are many ways to respond to that. Most of them are unwise. Finally, I type:That’s dangerous.
Her reply is immediate:I know.
There’s no flirtatious cushion around it. Just acknowledgment.
Me:You’re certain you want to continue this conversation?
