Jake
I’m breathing heavily, my heart pounding like a drumbeat that won’t settle. Blood pumps through my veins at an intensity I haven’t felt in years as I wait for Riley’s response, caught between anticipation and dread. Maybe I was too honest. I practically spelled out what I wanted—something real, something lasting. Have I scared her off?
Then there’s the fact that this whole thing was Christy’s idea. Knowing my sister, it was a whirlwind plan that didn’t give Riley any time to think it through. Does that mean she isn’t ready to meet anyone? Was she even expecting to match with someone? My mind spirals, and I can’t shake the image of her profile picture: Riley, sitting on her couch in that big fluffy bathrobe, eyes crossed in playful concentration as she spooned ice cream into her mouth. It’s adorable, of course, but part of me wonders if Christy set her up just to mess with her. Who uses a photo like that for a dating app?
Suddenly, my phone buzzes, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her name appears on the screen, and I hold my breath as I open the message.
Riley: So, what happens next?
A surge of hope crashes over me, and I think quickly. My fingers fly over the screen, typing before I can overthink it or second-guess what I’m about to say. I’m not willing to risk letting this moment slip away or give her a chance to realize she might be making a mistake—if she hasn’t already.
I take you out on a date. The words appear on the screen faster than I’ve ever typed before. I barely have time to double-check for typos, but I press send anyway, experiencing a rush of adrenaline. How about the Christmas Market? I add, picturing the sprawling market, the biggest of the year, with rows of festive stalls under twinkling lights. There will be so many people there that it’s unlikely we’ll bump into anyone we know. Then again, with how popular it is, we could bump into everyone we know.
A pause. The seconds stretch on, and a familiar pang of doubt creeps in.
Another buzz.
Riley: I’m holding a stall there, so I’ll be working.
Disappointment seeps through me. My mind races with second thoughts. Maybe this is a bad idea. Maybe Riley doesn’t even like me that much. Maybe she’s as surprised as I am by our match. A thousand doubts run through my mind, whispering that this is destined to fall apart.
Another message lights up my screen, and hope flickers back to life.
Riley: But the gift stalls close at nine…
I barely hesitate. I pounce on the chance like it’s my last, my thumbs moving swiftly as I type out my response.
Yes, that’s fine. I’ll meet you at Fiona’s hot chocolate stall at nine.
The seconds seem to slow as I wait, staring at the screen, half-expecting her to change her mind. But then her reply appears, short and simple, yet enough to send my heart racing all over again.
Riley: Okay.
I exhale, a grin spreading across my face as I imagine her smiling on the other side of her phone. At that moment, the nerves fade, leaving a warm determination in their place. This could be messy, it could be complicated, and it might blow up in our faces, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s worth the risk. After years of wondering, hoping, and dreaming about what it would be like to have a real shot with Riley, I’m finally getting my chance.
I’m going to see this through, come what may.