Page 24 of Forecasting the Forward

StickUM92: There’s a place in the Maldives where you stay in bungalows above the water.

NerdGirl1025: I’d love that! It would be so nice to escape. I’d love to go right now.

StickUM92: Sounds like you’re having a crappy day.

NerdGirl1025: You could say that.

StickUM92: Want to talk about it? I know we’ve maintained a rule of not sharing personal information, but I’m here if you want to vent.

NerdGirl1025: I just got reamed out by my boss for something incredibly dumb, and it was none of his business anyway, because it involved my personal life.

StickUM92: Are you a public figure?

StickUM92: Never mind. Don’t answer that.

NerdGirl1025: In some ways, yes, I’m in the public eye. But mostly I’m not.

StickUM92: I love how you worded that, because it describes my life too.

NerdGirl1025: Oh? Has your boss ever told you who you can and can’t be seen with?

StickUM92: Kind of, yeah. But more in a “don’t make bad decisions” kind of way. Just reminding us that lots of people are dishonest, and trusting the wrong person can end up being an eighteen year sentence.

NerdGirl1025: Woah. That’s blunt.

StickUM92: My boss is pretty blunt, but I appreciate it. He wants the best for me.

NerdGirl1025: Funnily enough, my boss used that exact phrase, wanting the best for me, and I’m not sure I believe him.

StickUM92: I’m sorry you’re in a bind, darlin’. Sounds like your boss needs a reality check. My guess is he has the hots for you, and he’s acting out because of jealousy. I bet you’re a knockout, and he’s grasping at straws to keep you in his claws.

NerdGirl1025: Don’t you remember? I’m really a middle-aged man.

StickUM92: Fuck. I forgot that. Oh well. Maybe your boss swings that way.

NerdGirl1025: I don’t think so? I guess I could be wrong.

NerdGirl1025: Thanks for this conversation. It’s exactly what I needed.

StickUM92: I’m glad. Kismet, because I suddenly thought I needed to check in with you.

NerdGirl1025: Perfect timing.

StickUM92: I’ve felt that way about a couple of our conversations. Like the one about my mom and the olives. Had I not talked to you, I’d probably have spiraled into one hell of a depressive night with a bottle of Jack. Instead, you got me laughing about fake grapes. I don’t know if I ever thanked you for that conversation, darlin’. But it was what I needed too.

NerdGirl1025: I’m glad.

StickUM92: Still think you’re a gorgeous woman.

NerdGirl1025: How can you be so sure?

StickUM92: Sixth sense. It’s a gift, honestly. All of my teammates make fun of me for instinctively knowing weird details about blind dates, catfishing, and other crap.

NerdGirl1025: Teammates?

StickUM92: Shit. Sorry. That was a personal detail. Forget I said anything.

NerdGirl1025: Extracurricular activities don’t really count as a personal detail, do they?

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