Page 2 of One More Touchdown

The wounds, though healing, remain etched in the fabric of my past. It was an eight-year marriage that ended with the crushing revelation of betrayal. When you find out your wife has been having an affair, you tend to think that maybe, just maybe you are not good enough, handsome enough, or the king you believe you are. I lost my confidence and self-esteem, but now I am back. I know who I am, and I love who I am. I am a king, a great man, and a great catch for any real woman. Now I just need to go and find her.

* * *

Two months ago, fueled by a newfound courage and a longing for connection, I dipped my toes into the unpredictable waters of online dating. The digital realm seemed like a foreign landscape; its terrain unexplored since the early days of my marriage. Armed with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I ventured into this modern quest for companionship.

The dating app, a pixelated gateway to potential connections, presented an array of profiles like a vast library of undiscovered novels. Each snapshot, a glimpse into the lives of strangers who, like me, sought solace and companionship in the realm of digital romance.

Swiping through the profiles felt like sifting through the pages of an elaborate novel, each person a unique chapter in the grand narrative of life. Some profiles elicited a sense of intrigue, while others faded into the background like forgotten footnotes. It was a delicate dance of judgment, fueled by the hope that within this vast digital expanse, I would find a story that resonated with my own.

Initial conversations unfolded like prologues, introductions laden with the weight of past experiences. As the digital dialogues progressed, I found myself navigating through the complexities of opening up to new connections while safeguarding the vulnerabilities amassed from a failed marriage.

Yet, the journey was not without its challenges. Conversations fizzled, connections waned, and the digital landscape proved to be both vast and isolating. It became apparent that finding someone with whom I shared a genuine connection was not a task to be taken lightly. The dating app transformed into a maze of potential matches, each promising a unique adventure but with no guaranteed destination.

Among the fleeting encounters, I met individuals who, despite their unique stories, did not resonate with the depths of my own narrative. The process was both enlightening and disheartening, a rollercoaster ride of emotions that mirrored the complexities of the human heart. It left me questioning whether the elusive connection I sought was a mirage in this vast digital desert.

Yet, through the ebb and flow of these experiences, a persistent ember of hope flickered within. It fueled my determination to persevere, to continue the journey in pursuit of a connection that transcended the boundaries of a digital profile.

As the weeks unfolded, I learned to navigate the intricacies of online dating with a newfound resilience. The failures and fleeting connections were not setbacks but rather steppingstones towards a clearer understanding of what I sought in a partner. The digital realm, once daunting, became a canvas upon which I could paint the next chapter of my life.

In this ongoing test to find love on a dating app, I remain aware of the scars etched into my heart by the dissolution of my marriage. The wounds are healing, but the echoes of the past are ever-present, guiding my decisions and shaping the contours of my expectations.

* * *

Four months of looking and swiping left, that’s when I saw her. A beautiful woman who loved God. My intuition told me that I needed to swap right. The way her eyes looked and the way she posed for her pictures. On top of all of that was the things she liked to do. So, I did it. I swiped right and now I wait.

* * *

The waiting is always the worst. Will she swipe right too? Will I be what she is looking for? Is she does swap right; will she message me first? Should I message her first. And that is when I saw it. We matched. Now it is time to say hello.

* * *

The next day…

Josh:

Hey Sheri, stumbled upon your profile and couldn’t help but be intrigued. I noticed we both share a love for football – a major win in my book! I’m Josh, a semi-pro football player, and I couldn’t resist reaching out. Who’s your favorite team?

Sheri:

Hey Josh! Nice to meet you. I’m a big Cowboys fan and I am just leaving Dallas Texas from being at the playoff game on Sunday. The loss broke my heart. Who’s your favorite team?

Josh:

Cowboys, huh? Can’t go wrong with that choice! I’m originally from Kentucky, but I am a Chief’s fan. What else are you passionate about, Sheri?

Sheri:

Besides football, I’m into spending time with family. What about you? Any other passions besides tearing up the field?

Josh:

Absolutely, family is everything. Besides football, I enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, fishing, you name it. Also, a bit of a foodie; I love trying out new restaurants. Any favorite spots in Jacksonville?

Sheri:

Oh, there are some great spots here! I’m a fan of The Bearded Pig for barbecue and Orsay for a fancy night out. How about you? Any favorite local joints in Kentucky?

Josh:

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