Page 44 of Book and Ladder
Between my date with Blaire and that interaction with Daisy, I need to talk to someone who seems to get me. I set my book on the side table, walk back downstairs, pull my laptop off the counter and settle on my couch.
I open my email and immediately smile. M&M wrote to me, and it was only a few minutes ago. She doesn’t even start with a Dear BTTP. She launches right in.
So … I went on a date tonight. And to say it was a disaster would be an understatement. I don’t know why I’m writing to you about this. If it’s outside the bounds of whatever we’re doing here, just tell me. I’ll get back to sharing about books. Or we can just leave it at “I love your podcast.”
Maybe I shouldn’t write emails immediately after coming home from dates. Probably a good life lesson.
- M&M
(which could stand for Mortification and Mistakes tonight)
I chuckle. Her wit is delightful and quick—like Daisy’s—but without the sharp edges or underlying grudge.
I’m glad you wrote. I think we left the “just talk about books” rule a few emails ago. Write about your bad date. I obviously won’t ever meet him, so this is a great place to vent.
I went on a date too. Must be in the air.
- BTTP
Her response is nearly immediate.
Was your date good?
Was it good? Hmmm. It wasn’t exactly bad. Just … not right.
She was nice. Parent-approved. Checks all the boxes.
- BTTP
Parent approved?That sounds so lame.
M&M doesn’t seem to care.
Forgive me for reading between the lines, but it sounds like she wasn't your type. Am I wrong? Maybe I’m projecting after living through one of the top 100 worst dates on the planet.
- M&M
I’m so curious about what he did. I almost tell her about Daisy’s pathetic date, but I don’t want to drag that into my conversation with M&M.
My date was not my type. We agreed it would be our only date.
- BTTP
My email pings a few moments later.
Dating is hard. I’m thinking the characters in Pride & Prejudice had it somuch easier. Courtship, arranged marriage … None of the hassles of modern dating. Though, I did agree to this date because it was arranged by someone I know.
It felt like he was mentally somewhere else the whole time.
- M&M
Just like Daisy’s date. That guy could not keep his phone in his pocket.
So, you’re telling me you’d rather be randomly fixed up in an 1800s arranged marriage than to have the free will you have today?
Also, what is it with men who can’t pay attention to their dates? I witnessed that tonight too. A man so preoccupied he could have been eating alone. When I’m with someone, they get my undivided attention. That’s the bare minimum.
- BTTP
