“I’m hanging up now,” I say inside a sigh. “Sorry for calling when I just saw you earlier. What are you up to tonight?”
“Nothing much,” he says. “Another late night grading worksheets.”
“I’ll let you go, then. Sorry for bothering. I guess I could’ve texted you.”
“No worries. Call whenever you want. I’ll always answer.”
I bite down a grin, grateful my back is turned on my best friend. Until I hang up, take one look at her face, and know she heard every word. “Oh, you’re so screwed.”
“Am not,” I scoff. “Shut up.”
“I guess he is different from what you first thought.” She drains her wineglass.
“He’s definitely nothing like Andrew.” I pick up my own glass, thinking. “But he’s not someone I’d pick to have in my life, you know? He’s too…sunshiny.”
“Or maybe you’re too rain-cloudy, and he only seems like a sunbeam by comparison.” She smirks when I scowl at her. “It’s great that you two are friends. He might be good for you.”
I’m exhausted from typing so much.
After Julian got the ball rolling, he insisted it was time I start taking over my inbox. Once I get to know my matches more, I’ll need to decide who I’m going out with first. It’s been nearly a week of messaging back and forth, and so far Nathaniel is in the lead, but that’s only because he asked me out first. I go through our last messages to each other, right up to the point where I left him on read.
Me:So, ice cream huh? What’s your favorite flavor?
Nathaniel:Rocky road. I know, pretty cliche for a hiker
Nathaniel:What’s yours?
Me:Strawberry, specifically in a waffle cone
Nathaniel:Love a good waffle cone. I know a place that opened up recently if you want to give it a try. We could also do dinner. I know we just matched, but I’d prefer to get to know you in person. It’ll be my treat.
Me:I’d prefer that too. Much more efficient than waiting a day and a half for a reply just for me to ask what your favorite ice cream flavor is.
Nathaniel:You could tell I’ve been sitting on that rocky road joke for a while, huh?
Me:It was cute, but I bet it’d be even cuter in person.
Nathaniel:You have no idea
Nathaniel:How does next Saturday work?
I’m overthinking this. Julian would’ve agreed by now, followed by two more appropriately quippy messages. He’d also rush down here the second I ask him for help, but I can’t keep using him as a crutch. He’s helped me enough. I have to do this on my own.
Me:Next Saturday sounds great! Unless you’re no longer free. I know I took a while to reply. It’s been a little chaotic around here.
There. It’s not even really a lie, considering the red string Julian put up on the wall when he came back up yesterday. I should’ve told him right there that Nathaniel asked me on an in-person date. I’m still not sure why I didn’t.
Nathaniel:No worries, and we’re on for next weekend!
We text for a while more, and then I officially have a first date with Nathaniel. My hands are shaking by the time I put the phone down, and I can hardly explain why. I had no qualms after making plans with Erica, but that was before she outright rejected me in the middle of an Italian restaurant. Would Nathaniel do the same if he knew that when it comes to romance and relationships, I have no idea what I’m doing?
Speaking of crutches, before I know what I’m doing, I have my messages pulled up, my finger hovering over Julian’s name. For once, I don’t let myself fight it. He’s my friend. This is what friends are for, right? Encouragement. Support. I could use some of that right about now. That’s all this is.
Me:Well, I officially have a date with Nathaniel next Saturday.
Julian:That’s great!
Julian:I’m gonna hit him up for sooooo much free Whataburger when y’all get together.
