Idon’t open the note. Not with Noel close.
When I am alone, I unfold it.
Marriott downtown, Saturday 11PM, room 774. Don’t knock.
A short message that drenches lighter fluid on my obsession with this woman.
I’ve been waiting for a match to strike, and with that, my world burns.
It’s been four days since I last saw her. I didn’t expect her to text. I knew she’d face consequences if her dad was willing to pull a gun on me. The court case was looming. I stayed away for both of us.
Then I got this note that says nothing yet everything. She wasn’t ghosting me. She’s trapped.
We both are, in our own ways.
I shouldn’t go after her dad’s threat, but here I am, about to walk outside.
“Who’s the girl you’re meeting?” says Noel.
“Dating app.”
He nods, skeptical. “It isn’t Morgan, right? Cause the court case is over and now you think it’s okay.”
Shit.
“Nah, man. It isn’t her,” I bold face lie.
But if I’m being real, this isn’t a date. I don’t know what it is. I guess it isn’t really a lie.
He seems unconvinced as he crosses his arms. “I hope you know if it’s Morgan, it’s a mistake. She’s too young for you, and it’s selfish to take her chastity from her rightful husband.”
“Chastity? How much of that Bible have you been reading?” I push on his shoulder jokingly to break the tension.
He doesn’t laugh.
“I read it all.”
“Please say that isn’t true,” I reply earnestly. “You’re not trying to be a pastor or some shit, are ya?”
“When I turn eighteen, I’ll be ordained and get a job at her church. By then she’ll forgive me and we can be together.”
I have no words. My brother is delusional. I just stare, unsure of the best way to respond.
“Jack, be honest. You spent money on a babysitter for some chick you haven’t met?”
I sigh. “I can’t trust you to watch Tommy.”
“Can, too!” he says defensively. “I messed up one time.”
“Stay out of trouble and I’ll believe you eventually.”
He scowls. “Isn’t it late to go on a date?”
“It’s only eight.”
I leave out the part that it’s a three-hour drive.
“Will you be home tonight?”
