Page 13 of Pining for You

Some people might think the conversation was going great. Except when we were busy eating, there hadn’t been much lull in the back and forth, but I was unsatisfied. This wasn’t just about me. I wanted to get to know her better. To make a good impression. I needed to find a way to break through her defenses, to find some sort of connection. But how? I knew who I could ask, but wasn’t sure I should.

I pulled out my phone and pulled up the family chat on a message app my sisters had set up when we were planning a party for my mom’s sixty-fifth birthday a few years back.

Brad

Hey any of you around?

Shelly (my eldest sister)

What’s up?

Joy (my second oldest sister)

Sort of. I’m at work. What’s up?

Brad

I am on a first date but I’m finding conversation with her hard…

Before I hit send, I paused, re-read my message, backspaced to delete hard and changed it to difficult. I also debated mentioning Chloe’s name and asking if Shelly or Joy knew her. I decided against it—for now.

Brad

I need suggestions to get her to open up to me.

Shelly

Have you listened to nothing I’ve told you? Ask her about herself, doofus.

Brad

I did!

Shelly

Have you asked her if she has any hobbies? If she reads? If so, ask who’s her favorite author? Favorite book? Favorite movie? Does she have any pets? Would she want any in the future?

Cynthia (my younger sister)

Aww, what’s the matter, big fella? Does the tree surgeon have a case of weakened wood?

sends a photo of a limp carrot

Joy

Whatever you do, don’t send her a dick pick. Or even mention your dick. To any woman. It’s a huge turn-off.

Cynthia

Until you get to know them better. ;) Then sexting can be fun :D

Shelly

Will you never grow up, Cyn?

Cynthia

What’s the fun in that?

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