Page 12 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

Or maybe … maybe I was boxing myself into some stupid “type” of person. Maybe I didn’t need to. I could try this.

SawyerRox4:I’m intrigued. But honestly, we don’t know each other well. What if we clash constantly? What if I’m a pain in the … you know.

As soon as the words were out, I winced.

Way to sound really anxious and insecure. Guys love that.

I took a deep breath in and out and then started typing, but a new message appeared.

CastGamer55:I think we’d figure that out relatively early on, before we’ve invested much time or anything else.

SawyerRox4:True.

CastGamer55:Most likely if we were really unsuitable as partners, we’d have already clashed.

SawyerRox4:True…

CastGamer55:You’re probably overthinking this.

SawyerRox4:Also true, lol ... OK, I’m in!

CastGamer55:Excellent. I’ll share the link, just a moment.

My toes curled as a familiar mix of anxiety and curiosity swept through me. Had I really just agreed to this? I knew nothing about creating games—or about this man. We hadn’t even shared our names. Should we?

SawyerRox4:I don’t even know your first name. Should we share that?

CastGamer55:We could use fake but real-sounding names if that would make you comfortable. I could be, like, Danny or something.

SawyerRox4:Yeah, that’s a good idea. Uh, my name is Mindy, and it’s nice to meet you, Danny.

CastGamer55:Any significance in the name Mindy?

SawyerRox4:Ilovedthe showThe Mindy Project. Do you know it?

CastGamer55:Can’t say I do.

SawyerRox4:Mindy Kaling? Well, it ended years ago anyway. It was a comedy/rom-com that borrowed from a lot of classic rom-coms in really fun ways. There was a character named Danny ...

CastGamer55:Ah, I’m more into drama, as you might guess from our shared TV interest.

SawyerRox4:Interests plural … you likedLosttoo!

CastGamer55:I did. Are you ready to join the server?

I chuckled a bit to myself. He could be somewhat abrupt sometimes, but still friendly. I kind of liked how direct he was, so I didn’t have to wonder what he meant by his words, as I so often do with others.

But what server was he talking about?

Oh. He just sent the signup link for Game Acres.

That was … fast. He must really want to do this. But my brow furrowed as negative thoughts started flooding my poor brain. Thoughts about how I’d probably disappoint him, mainly. I shook my head, trying to clear them out and forcing a smile.

I’d read somewhere that just the physical act of smiling can make you feel better. In my experience, it didn’t usually work. But worth a shot, right?

Then again, maybe I wouldn’t have to force a smile all the time because this might actually be fun. I loved board games, and game design was intriguing. And I had a chance to try it with this guy online who must think I’m interesting.

The next thing I knew, I was grinning without even trying.

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