Page 53 of The Disasters of Dating
So far, the only thing making Keaton a tourist is the backpack. And he didn’t bring that to dinner last night. So…
Then Avery chimes in. I’m kind of surprised to hear from her. As the day that was supposed to be her wedding gets closer, she seems to get more withdrawn. Not that I blame her. While I would never say it to her, she is so much better off. Eric, her ex, is a complete tool and totally took advantage of her. (Not in that way. In more of a mental and emotional way.) She should have kicked him to the curb years ago.
Avery
They speak English in that part of Canada, Pops…
Hence the laughing emoji. Sheesh, sometimes I think you all think I’m stupid.
I reread it and then delete it. Not because I don’t think it’s true. But because I don’t want Avery to think I’m calling her out. After all, I think they all think I’m dumb. Not just Avery.
But do they???
That seems a safer text.
I pull up the text thread between Keaton and me. Should I text him or call him?
Are we close enough ‘friends’ for phone calls? What would even be the rules there? Man, when did so many rules become a part of my life?
I push aside my doubt and press the call button on Keaton’s contact info. It rings twice and then goes to voicemail. “Hey, this is Keaton. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you.”
Hmm. I geared myself up for nothing. Should I leave a message?
His phone beeps at me. I need to decide now or hang up.
“Hey, Keaton. It’s Poppy. I was wondering what you’re up to today. I mean, I’m sure you’re at work. I mean, that’s why you’re here in Utah. Not that you don’t know why you’re here. That’s not what I meant. Because if you didn’t know, that would be weird. And not very effective for your work.” Oh my heck! What am I saying? He’s going to think I’m a complete idiot. “Anyway, you’re probably busy, but if you want to go to dinner or something…as friends. I mean, I’m not thinking it’s a date.” I slap my hand over my eyes. Holy cow, this is a complete train wreck, and I can’t seem to disentangle myself from it. I keep rambling more awful things. “Anyway, if this message hasn’t made you decide to lose my number, then give me a call back and we can plan something. And it doesn’t have to be for tonight. It could be a different night. Or lunch. I’m good with lunch, too.” I close my eyes, hoping that when I open them, this will all have been a bad dream. But I’m not so lucky. Maybe my horoscope was wrong and I do need to put forth a bit of effort. “Okay, yeah. Call me if you want to. Bye.” I press the disconnect button and drop my head onto the counter. That could not have gone worse.
With a sigh, I pull up Paisleigh’s number.
Hey, what are you doing today?
Paisleigh
Nothing. What are you doing?
Cleaning my bathroom. I need to clean out my closet, too, but I’m not feeling it today. Do you want to do something?
Paisleigh
Sure. What are you thinking?
Want to go on a hike?
Paisleigh
Sure…why???
What do you mean why? I like to hike as much as the next guy.
Paisleigh
But do you?
Yes.
I sigh. Why isn’t she working with me here? I want to get out and do something. I have a lot of energy that I need to do something with.
Paisleigh
