Page 39 of Reel Love

Take that. I type.

Oof.

I’m up by one point. And it feels like one hundred.

This is why I choose you. His words are sweet.

Because you’re a masochist?

Ha. Possibly. Mostly because you are a worthy opponent. I enjoy a challenge.

I’ve been accused of being challenging more than once in my lifetime.

We’re all challenging in our own way.

I smile. We play for another hour, bantering about the game, but veering away from personal comments.

I’ve only got a few tiles left when Wordivore types:Can I ask you a question?Then he adds,It seems only fair since you asked me a question.

I asked you a question to level the playing field. You knew I was a woman. Now I know you are a man.

So that’s a no?

Depends

On the question?

Yes.

Well then, I’ll have to ask it so you can see if it’s one you’ll answer.

I smile.Okay. Ask.

Do you have any siblings?

Seems harmless. I’ll answer.

I don’t.I ask him,Do you?

Ah ah ah.He mocks me.If you ask another question, I’ll get another one.

No. We’re not even anymore. You know one thing about me I don’t know about you. To make it even, you answer me.

He doesn’t argue. He simply types an answer, and as his cursor moves, I eagerly await this new revelation about my online mystery man.

I do. I have a brother and a sister. We all live near one another. Always have.

Are you close?I’m suddenly hungry for everything I can find out about him and his family.

There’s a pause and then he types:Pretty close. I’m …

The dots blink while I wait to see what he is. He’s what? Adopted? An heir to a throne? A red-headed stepchild?

Finally he finishes his thought.

I’m a bit of an introvert. So I don’t always initiate time with them, or anyone. But knowing they’re right here in the same town as I am is comforting. I think I take them for granted.

Were you hesitant to tell me you’re an introvert?

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