Page 18 of Sweet Rivals

PotatoBake888: We can’t both be pessimistic at the same time. So, it’s my turn.

TheBakingChick: Is that how it works?

PotatoBake888: All about balance.

That’s how our conversations worked. Lighthearted banter passed back and forth sprinkled with light glimpses into ourselves. Selves we couldn’t share anywhere but through a screen. And even though PotatoBake888 was tight-lipped, I still felt like I knew him. Maybe that was naive, but it didn’t much matter, did it? He would stay my mystery man behind the screen.

TheBakingChick: Well, as the pessimistic one for the evening, no, I don’t think it is a change for the better. The Wallaces have decided to stay and infect my town. What’s worse is that he is opening a bakery.

PotatoBake888: The horror. How will you survive?

I snorted a laugh at his obnoxiousness. Of course, he didn’t know why that would be the worst part of all. After a moment, I decided to go out on a limb.

TheBakingChick: Do you ever feel stuck?

PotatoBake888: All the time.

It was a rare insight into his elusive feelings. I didn’t know why he felt stuck because we had avoided sharing those kinds of personal details, but it was nice to know I wasn’t so alone.

PotatoBake888: You getting sick of your perfect beach life?

TheBakingChick: No. I will never get sick of my beach life. Don’t say such things. I just feel like I should have done more with my life by now. But I’ve been so busy living for everyone else. I don’t have the goddamn time for the things I want. Having this asshole comes in only highlights that for me.

I watched the screen feeling uncomfortable. Like I had just overshared. When a new message finally popped up, I breathed a sigh of relief.

PotatoBake888: Maybe focusing on this guy is just another avoidance technique. Unless, of course, you like him ??

TheBakingChick: Are you my therapist now?

PoatoBake888: Depends. How much are you paying?

TheBakingChick: I’ll pay you in chocolate chips scones.

PoatoBake888: Throw in a coffee cake, and you have a deal.

TheBakingChick: Thats a bit pricy for my taste.

PoatoBake888: Fine. Here’s some free advice. You are an absolute badass. When you decide to start living for yourself, you will be unstoppable.

His profuse praise made my cheeks burn and my heart melt. Not for the first time, I wished desperately that we could meet in real life. But I also didn’t want my heart broken by the harsh letdown of reality. I really was playing the role of pessimist tonight.

TheBakingChick: I guess you don’t know me all that well.

PoatoBake888: Trust me. I know you. Jfkdamkewaui

TheBakingChick: What was that?

PoatoBake888: Sorry, my dog decided he wanted in our conversation.

TheBakingChick: A dog? Oh no. Here I thought you were a cat person.

PoatoBake888: Why would you think that?

TheBakingChick: I just assumed everyone worthwhile was.

PoatoBake888: Oh no … are you a cat person?

TheBakingChick: Of course.

---