Page 6 of We Met Like This
“I wanted to hear your beautiful voice,” I said.
“Valid,” she responded.
“Do you remember me mentioning an Oliver? I went out with him once three years ago and have matched with him off and on ever since.”
“Best-car-makeout-you’ve-ever-had guy?”
“Yes!” Best makeout period.
“But he was otherwise painfully boring and inconsiderate.”
I cringed. I had probably said that too. “Notpainfully. Okay, painfully. And yes, was rude to the waitress and didn’t ask me any questions about myself, but instead talked aboutsomething completely irrelevant. We had absolutely nothing in common.” I liked artists and filmmakers and writers. They were easier for me to relate to because we had shared interests and oftentimes shared goals. Plus, people outside the creative field didn’t understand the sometimes all-consuming nature of the job.
“We are not meant for talking,” I said. “Only making out, apparently.” That combination hadn’t happened to me before or since.
“I wonder if he still has your underwear.”
Speaking of something I hadn’t done before or since. “I’d be offended if he didn’t.” I thought about the shocked look on his face when I’d done that. He’d probably thrown them away immediately.
“Itwaspretty badass. Anyway… what about him?”
“He’s the one I was chatting with when you sent me that text.”
“You’re going for a round two? He could probably use a matching bra. Make it a set.”
I snorted. “No. And considering how many times we’ve matched over the years, this would be a round ten.”
“Round ten’s the charm?”
“Not happening.”
“Probably a good call. I have to go. The office phone is ringing. Wait, are you at work?”
“Yes, I’m working.”
She laughed and hung up.
I really did need to work. I sighed, spun back toward my computer, and started reading through emails sent by writers hoping Rob would represent their books. An hour or so into reading, my eyes starting to sting from staring at thecomputer screen for so long, I got curious and reached for my phone again.
A couple messages were waiting from Oliver. The first read:I didn’t mean to shame you into going back to work. You should definitely message on company time.
The second one read:If we’re going to ghost each other again, let’s give a warning this time.
Ghostwas a strong word, reserved for someone you were interested in. Oliver and I were not that. We had established on day two of knowing each other that we would never be that. I typed:Is it considered ghosting if a warning is involved?
We’ll call it a haunting, he responded.
Did you have that word ready to go? That was fast.
No, I’m just really clever.
I narrowed my eyes.You had that word. You’re reusing banter on me? Recycled banter is unacceptable.
For the record, this is the first time I’ve used it, but I guarantee fifty percent or more of my banter will be unoriginal. If that is a dealbreaker, haunt me now.
That wasn’t on my dealbreaker list before but I’m going to add it now.
What else is on this list?
