Page 13 of Heartstrings & Horizons
“It’s not that simple. Our lives are too different.” The words hold little conviction. If I’m being honest, I’ve been trying to convincemyselfof that more than anyone. “Let’s take a picture and then we can get this shit cleaned up.”
Cade
I’m placing a beer in front of one of our regulars when my phone vibrates in my pocket. “Hey Liam, I’m taking 5,” I call to my coworker before exiting out the employee entrance.
We’ve both worked here since the bar opened. Connor, the owner, is Liam’s older brother. Liam towers over most everyone, so, more often than not, he’ll act as a bouncer when things get out of hand. He can be intimidating, from his gruff exterior to the tattoos that cover his arms, but there’s no shortage of women throwing themselves at him.
His dark red hair and green eyes are like a beacon for single women, but in all the time we’ve worked together, I’ve never seen Liam take anyone home. We’ve formed an easy friendship over the years and we cover each other's asses whenever possible.
I pull out my phone and tap on the screen to see a new message from Paige.
Paige: It’s safe to say we won’t be winning any awards.
She follows up her text with a photo of two pumpkins carved with what I think is some sort of cat, and maybe a ghost… I can’t really be sure, but I’m not stupid enough to ask.
Cade: Well, that’s definitely somethin’.
Cade: Did you have a good time?
Paige: The best time.
Cade: Good. Say hi to Mags for me.
She doesn’t respond right away, but a minute or so later, another photo pops up. It’s a selfie of Maggie and Paige, each of their hands meeting in the middle to form a heart. Their faces are smudged with what I'm guessing is pumpkin guts, both grinning from ear to ear, Paige’s irresistible dimples on full display. I tap the download button before I can fully register what I’m doing or why.
I can't say I’ve ever had the best experience with dating apps, but getting to know Paige has been a pleasant surprise. We’ve been texting off and on every day, and I find myself rereading old conversations now and then. It’s crazy how one day you can be stuck in the same old routine, and then out of nowhere, something blindsides you and knocks you flat on your ass; for me, that was Paige.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I rated her a 10, but it wasn’t this effortless friendship we’ve stumbled into. I had turned off the location restrictions on my app, not thinking anything of it or considering the fact that I might be paired with someone from hundreds of miles away, but I’m not mad about it. I can’t say I wasn’t a little disappointed about the distance at first, but I’m happy to have met her all the same.
My best friend, Dean, practically begged me to be his wingman next week, but I have to admit my heart isn’t in it — not thatthatparticular organ is ever in charge — but even my dick isn’t interested. I didn’t have time to unpack why that might be the case, so I reluctantly agreed.
Paige
“Have you worked out the logistics of how you’re going to transfer your left tit to me? I’m pretty sure you’ve been practically glued to your phone since Kentucky Fried Hottie messaged you.”
“Har har. You’re hilarious, Mags. For the 100th time, we’re just friends.”
“Famous last words, babe. I’m heading out. Text if you need me. Or not.”
And with that, she strolls out the door, umbrella in hand.
Fate is a frigid bitch. The one time I’m 100% certain that dating apps are stupid and useless, I meet the only guy who makes me feel like I can truly be myself — no expectations or false pretenses. But we can’t pursue anything beyond friendship. He’s thoughtful, considerate, and effortlessly charming. Unfortunately, there's an unspoken agreement that our relationship is strictly platonic and we’re both firmly in the friend zone. If there was ever a person I could see myself with in the future, it would be someone like Cade.
Last week, on a whim, I researched what it would take to move to Kentucky. There was a whole lot of wine and more than a little curiosity involved. I was feeling wistful. Thanksgiving with my dad and his girlfriend was an epic disaster, and after the “I see you” text, I couldn’t help my curiosity. I mean, who says shit like that and expects me not to fall to my knees and offer myself up as tribute?
Basically, it came down to two options — find a job and get a green card to work in the states, or marry a U.S. citizen and get a spouse visa. Considering I have no valuable skills to speak of, and I’m currently an undergrad, the 2nd option seemed easier, and completely unrealistic, so I let it go. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that Cade and I will never be more than friends. Long distance isn’t an option I’m willing to explore lest I lose my heart in the process. This is all conjecture, anyway. I’ve known the guy for less than a month and I don’t intend to uproot my entire life for the possibility of a relationship that might never work out. Happily ever afters are for romance novels.
The faint patter of rain against the windows fills the living room in a soothing cadence, droplets racing down the glass in intricate meandering paths. There’s nothing like a rainy fall day to ease a conflicted heart. The scent of my sweet cinnamon candle fills the air with a warm, inviting fragrance. With my pumpkin spice latte in hand, I place my phone on the coffee table, leaning it against my stack of books.
“So how’s life in Kentucky? Wrestle any alligators lately?
Cade smirks. “Wrong state, Canada. We save the gator wrestling for Florida. Here it’s all about college basketball and bourbon. You know, the classy stuff.”
I gasp in mock surprise. “Oh, right! How could I forget? And here I was thinking you spent your days in overalls, chewing on a piece of straw, staring off into the horizon.”
Cade
“Are you flirting with me, Sunshine? I’m sure I could round up some overalls to fulfill that very specific fantasy for you. What about you? Have you apologized to anyone lately?” Our banter has grown more playful as of late. Paige takes it all in stride and she doesn’t hesitate to give as good as she gets.
