Page 73 of Reel Love

That sounds just right, I tell Wordivore. It does sound just right.

Okay, great. Saturday at six? Let’s meet at Cucina Descanso. I’ll grab a table when I get there.

Perfect.

I yawn. Then, I type,I’m sorry. Please don’t take this personally, but I have a huge day at work tomorrow and I’m yawning. Can we pick this game up later?

You sure this isn’t because I’m already seven points ahead of you and obviously going to win this match?He adds a winking emoji.

I’m certain. Because, for one thing, I’m only seven points behind you, and I’m the dark horse in this game.

Okay. Well, sweet dreams, dark horse.

You too, Wordivore.

TWENTY

Stevens

I wanted it to be you.

I wanted it to be you so badly.

~ You've Got Mail

“You did it! Man, I’m so proud of you.” Ben’s gushing, loudly. So loudly.

I’m just glad there are no customers in the shack right now. I’m pretty sure the presence of other people would not deter his celebration. He already pumped his fist in the air as if his favorite team won the final match of the season.

“Pursuit, baby. That’s where it’s at. You made an example of those elephant seals. No sitting on a beach looking like a washed up, overgrown otter with a deformed nose for you. No, sir. You pursued her.”

He shakes his head with a big smile on his face and claps me on the back.

“If there were an off switch, I’d hit it for you,” Kai says with a sympathetic look in my direction.

“Off switch?” Ben practically rolls his eyes at Kai. “You needan on switch. This guy asked his online crush out to dinner. Get a little excited, bro. It wouldn’t kill you.”

“I’m happy for him,” Kai says.

“Happy for who?” Bodhi walks in.

“Happy for Stevens. He’s got a date tonight.”

“Not sure it’s a date.” I pull my lips into a thin line and make eye contact with Ben.

“How do you not know if it’s a date?” Ben’s face scrunches up.

“I told her we’d decide if it’s a date after we’ve eaten. I wanted to take the pressure off.”

“Smooth,” Bodhi smiles at me. “See, Ben? He doesn’t need your Animal Planet documentaries on mating habits. He’s got this.”

“It’s my speech that gave him the impetus to pursue.” Ben crosses his arms and stares Bodhi down. “Wasn’t it, Stevens?”

“I’m sure it helped.”

“I’msureit did.” Bodhi’s voice drips with playful sarcasm. He chuckles. “Ben here is the relationship guru.”

“Darn right, I am.”

---