Page 19 of The Girlfriend Card
He stopped me from leaving athirdtime. “Hey, what’s your Insta? I wanna see what you look like.”
“I don’t have one,” I said casually.
“You don’t have Instagram?” His voice held a hint of shock. “What’s wrong with you? Do you live under a rock or something?”
I walked into the living room and toppled over the back of the couch, the sumptuous cushions swallowing my body. With a whimsical sigh, I channeled my best Audrey Hepburn impression. “Only the biggest, fanciest rock you’ve ever seen.”
Knowing nothing about me, Dakota had, of course, missed my playful sarcasm. He was merely confused instead. “What’sthatmean? And why’d you say it like that just then? You’re kinda weird, aren’t you?”
“Hint, hint. All us theater kids are.”
“Lord. What have I gotten myself into,” Dakota grumbled. “She doesn’t have an Instagram. She evenadmitsshe lives under a giant rock … I don’t know what I was thinking … finding an actress on Craigslist …pft… what a great idea that was …man, I am so fucked.”
Apparently, we were talking about each other in the second person now.
Mimicking the biologist David Attenborough, I playfully began to narrate, whispering, “As we observe the fascinating subject known as Craigslist Guy, a peculiar phenomenon unfolds before our very eyes. Initially intrigued by the idea of hiring an actress, Craiglist Guy now grapples with his assumptions about the theater world and its inhabitants. Like a bewilderednaturalist encountering an alien species for the very first time, he struggles to make sense of these newfound discoveries . . .”
Dakota laughed. Hard. Which put a smile on my face. I loved to make people laugh.
“Dude.What?Was that an impression of that nature documentary guy?”
“David Attenborough,” I said quietly.
“Yeah—that’s the guy!” He snapped his fingers. “That was really good. Did you just make that whole speech up on the spot?!”
“Well,yeah… I mean, I improvised …”
“Olivia!” He spoke my pseudonym with such surprise. “You’re kinda brilliant, aren’t you?”
A heat grew in my cheeks. I didn’t know how to respond, so I said nothing.
“Seriously, Olivia. Would you please meet with me in person?”
“But whyyy?” I mewled.
“Because it sounds like you can help me. And I don’t know much about you, but I’m sure I can helpyouwith something, too. So if you’re free, let’s meet up and chat. What are you doing tonight?”
I liked his persistence. Most of all, I liked that he needed me. It felt good to feel wanted … just not enough to take part in his crazy plan.
“I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ve got plans tonight,” I lied.
“Plans? Hold up. I thought you were tired?”
“That’s funny,” I grumbled. “Ithought you didn’t hear a word I was saying every time I tried to get off the phone.”
“Oh, I heard you. And I knew exactly what were you doing, by the way.” He snickered. “I’m a world-class bullshitter, Olivia. That’s how I know you’re bullshitting me right now, too.”
I grinned. “Fine! My plans are to go to bed. How’s that? It’s late, and I’m tired, Dakota.”
“Meet me tomorrow, then? We can grab coffee or lunch or whatever you want. Please?” His voice held a rawness that wasn’t there before. “I know I’m just a stranger to you but I’m really in a bad situation here. I really don’t have much time left. You’re the only person I’ve talked to who has any potential. I promise you, I’ll make it worth your time if you meet with me.”
“Fine.Fine.I’ll meet you for coffee tomorrow. But don’t get your hopes up because—” I cut myself off because I could already him celebrating in the background.
“Yes! Yes! Wooo! Yesss!”
I listened to his whoops and cheers and patiently waited for him to pick up the phone again.
“Thank yousomuch,” he said at last, panting from excitement.
