Page 9 of When the Fake Snow Falls

There’s no point in being disappointed. There’s a good chance I would have lost interest after talking to him for a few days. It’s not likethathasn’t happened before. He might be too needy or annoying, or he might collect plastic forks from restaurants like the guy I went on a date with two months ago. Hell, he might even lie about secretly having a wife and kids. I’ll figure out his fatal flaw, but I won’t have any answers until I suck it up and tell him I’m not the barista from Southern Roast.

five

The soft glowof the lamp on my bedside table casts shadows on the white walls. Thankfully plain and minimalistic is in right now because my bedroom is pretty bare. The only thing I’ve bought is a standing wood frame mirror in the corner and a sage green throw blanket.

Miles is in the living room rewatching episodes ofSchitt’s Creek. Normally, I’d be out there with him, but I don’t need him asking for real-time updates of the text exchange I’m about to have.

Taking a breath, I open the last messages from whoever this guy is. He wants to take me out and fix my broken palate. Except he doesn’t wantmeto be a part of any of that. He wants the barista. I’ve tried remembering what she looks like, but I can’t. I was apparently too distracted by the guy I unintentionally stole from her.

My thumbs hover over the screen. There’s no good way to tell someone you’re not the person they think you are. With a sigh, I type the first thing that comes to mind.

Candace:

I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?

The three dots appear, and my eyes stay glued to the screen until his message comes in.

Unknown Number:

If you’ve been kidnapped and need to be rescued before our date, I have to warn you, among my many talents (and there are many) fighting isn’t one of them.

I shake my head at the message with a tight-lipped smile. Whoisthis guy?

Unknown Number:

I quit karate at the age of eight, and as a result, I’m useless.

My smile widens as I respond.

Candace:

Don’t worry, no karate needed.

I wait for him to answer, my heart thudding in my chest a little harder than it was before.

Unknown Number:

Sounds like we both dodged a bullet.

Okay, give me the good news first.

My teeth sink into my bottom lip.

Candace:

You’re sure?

Unknown Number:

Yes. I like to consider myself an optimist.

Letting out a sigh, I type.

Candace:

I really do love pineapple on pizza.

The three dots appear but then stop before reappearing again.

---