She opened the Blind Friends app to see a red one in the corner. A smile settled over her face that quickly disappeared when she read it.
He wanted to meet? Last night? Fuck.
Macie began typing immediately.
I’m so sorry. I just got this message. Graduation was insane and I spent the rest of the day moving into my new apartment. My internet isn’t up yet. This is the first I’ve had time to even log on.
My job decided to kick it into high gear today. I knew this place would be a challenge, but I never expected everything to be so last minute. It felt like I spent my day working on one project until it was almost time to go home. Then I had five that needed to be done within the hour. When I finished those, five more were dropped onto my shoulders.
Please forgive me.
She didn’t even read over it before she hit send. Her heart ached as she stared out the window at the streetlight. So close, yet still so far away. This anonymous man might always be anonymous. He might always be the one that got away or something like that. It was so fairy-tale-ish. How could she even think about there being anything more than what they already have? She glanced back at the screen. Another message.
No, I’m sorry. I dropped it out there with no notice, then I didn’t even make it myself. Please forgive me.
It’s crazy now. One day after graduation and our lives are already upside down. My father had a medical issue yesterday. I didn’t even make it to the ceremony. He’s fine, but it scared the hell out of me. You once told me your mother’s your world. My father is mine. He’s done so much for his family. He’s my idol, my hero. Seeing him lying in that hospital bed with monitors hooked up to him... It made me realize there will be a time in the future where he won’t be there. That’s not something I ever wanted to think about, but it’s a reality I have to face.
It also reminded me of something I already knew. Life is short. I can’t let this fear of meeting you keep me from meeting you. I can’t let the excitement overrule all common sense, either. They seem to be in constant battle with one another. And a frat party was not how I wanted to see you for the first time. Our relationship or friendship, whatever you wish to define it as, has been intimate. It’s always been just you and me. That’s how we need to meet. Just us.
So, how about coffee on Tuesday? There’s a place on Chouteau called Spoons where they make an amazing latte. I work until five, but I can meet you any time after that. Just tell me when and I will be there.
Macie didn’t hesitate. She didn’t think. She just started typing.
I can meet you at six. But how will I know it’s you? I don’t want to trust fate.
She hit send and waited nearly ten minutes before he responded.
I don’t want to tempt fate either. A red rose? Too cheesy? I don’t know how to do this.
Macie sat back. It wasn’t like she met men online all the time. This would be a first for her too. A rose was cheesy, but it was still something easily recognizable.
Me either. I’ll bring a rose, too. We can be cheesy together. If it helps, I’m terrified and excited. What if this is a mistake? What if we’re only meant to be the way we are now?
His message came back almost instantly.
What if it’s not?
Macie smiled. He was right. There were so many variables in this equation that even Pythagoras would stumble over the solution.
I will see you Tuesday, she typed.
Grabbing her phone, she sent Lauren a text. Two seconds later, Macie’s phone rang.
“What’s going on?” Lauren asked, panic edged her voice.
“I’m going to meet him.” Macie stomach rolled. She wasn’t sure if she was going to be sick or if this was just some weird reaction to her excitement. They felt oddly the same.
“Who?” Lauren yawned so it sounded more like an owl than a person.
“Guy. From the app. Guy!”
“Holy crap!” Lauren screeched. Macie imagined her sitting upright so fast that all the pillows on her couch fell to the floor. Maybe she knocked Ford over in the process.
Macie pulled the phone away from her ear. “Yeah, holy crap. What the hell do I do now?”
“When? Where? What time?”
“Tuesday. And I’m not telling you where.” Macie grinned. “You’ll show up, and I won’t go through with it.”
“Spoilsport.” Lauren giggled. “I can’t wait to tell Ford.”
“No, don’t. If this is the fail to end all fails, I don’t want him to know. He might tell Zac and I’d never live it down. Just... I don’t want anyone to know.” Macie’s eyes watered as fear gripped her chest. “Please? Just between us.”
“Okay, but you have
