Chapter 17 More #2
Wow. It’s incredible how he remembers things we talk about.
He really does pay attention, which shows he cares about this.
He couldn’t be any more perfect, unless he needs some major dental work or something.
Shoot, they should put that question in the profiles.
‘Do you have all your teeth and are they healthy?’ Or maybe, ‘On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your teeth?’
Poppy: She’s in San Diego, and that’s where I was thinking about. But it was just a fleeting thought, nothing serious.
Owen: It’s a nice place. Sun, salt, and sand. Is there anything better?
Poppy: Normally, people from Montana don’t feel that way. I take it you’ve been?
Owen: Plenty of times. It’s great.
Poppy: What about you? Would you ever move?
Owen: Well, I wouldn’t choose Florida, I can tell you that. I hate the humidity. As for moving? Only time will tell, I guess.
Just then, a notification pops up. ‘Congratulations! You and your match now qualify to level up. Your account will allow for numbers in the text and attachment capability with a qualifying membership. Upon payment, this match will be unlocked. Should you choose to forgo the membership, you are welcome to continue chatting at no additional charge. Happy dating!’
What the heck? I didn’t know you had to sign up for a membership. This is total crap.
Owen: You saw the notification?
Poppy: Yeah. What do you think?
Owen: I think I like talking to you.
Poppy: What does that mean? Do you want to exchange pictures? Or we could just pick a place to meet. Then it won’t be flagged, and we could skip the membership. I didn’t know about that.
Owen: I didn’t either, but maybe it’s a sign we should leave things as is. I feel like we’ve gotten to know each other on a deeper level, and that might not have happened in person. What if we keep it like this for another week and reevaluate?
To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement of huge proportions. What if he’s hesitating because he’s four hundred pounds and can’t get up? But then again, maybe he’s right, and we’re feeling this way because of this process.
Ugh. This sucks. I’m not sure if I should force the issue or give in and wait. The thing is, I can’t move forward with Braden until I’ve let this go, and a few more days won’t make a difference. I also don’t want to push Owen away by putting my foot down since I like him so much.
Poppy: We can do that. But after the week, I’d like to take the next step if we want to keep dating ;)
Owen: Deal.
Sleep after our conversation was fitful at best, and this morning at work is about the worst Monday imaginable. The inner turmoil over this new thing with Braden, while letting things play out with Owen, is weighing on my mind.
When Matt walks into my office, he stops dead in his tracks.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh?” I glance up to gauge his meaning.
He appears concerned, not disgusted, which is what I’d expect given how unput-together I am.
“You look like you haven’t slept in days, which means something happened since we last talked.”
I plop my elbows down and drop my head into my hands, groaning. The sound of the door shutting brings it back up as Matt sits in one of the two chairs in front of my desk.
“Is this about Braden?”
“Him and Owen, the guy from the app.”
“Have you met him in person yet?”
“No, and that’s the problem. We got approval to exchange pictures last night, well, with the purchase of a membership, which is total bullshit. But anyway, he doesn’t want to meet or send photos. He just wants to keep talking.”
“He obviously has something to hide.”
“That was my first thought, but then he said he feels like we’ve gotten to know each other more this way. I said I’d give it a week and then we take the next step or I’m out—more or less.”
“More or less?”
“Well, I didn’t say exactly that, but he got the point and agreed to my terms.”
“Well, I told you once, but I’ll say again. Be careful with what you tell him. He might have a reason for not wanting to show his face, and the last thing you want is some stalker figuring out who you are.”
“He’s not like that. It’s no different than any other new relationship.”
He leans forward, taking a more serious stance. “Except you’ve never laid eyes on him and have no idea who he is. Like I said, you used your real name, which is unique to begin with. You live in a fairly small town, and because you’re a realtor, you’re easy to find on the internet.”
“Okay, you made your point. I still don’t think he’s like that.” At the look he gives me, I concede. “But, fine, I’ll be more careful.”
“You said this was about Braden too. Why?”
I’ll have to tread lightly since I know he doesn’t like him. “He surprised me with a visit this weekend.”
Matt’s mouth drops open. “Here? To Bozeman? That’s why I didn’t hear a peep out of you.”
“Yeah. He has a client in Big Sky, so he came for a meeting and stayed until yesterday.”
“How convenient.” His sarcastic tone is annoying.
“Listen, I know you don’t like him, but I do. At least I’m starting to. A lot. And that’s the problem. He wants more, and I’m not ready to give it to him.”
“More as in… what exactly?” he asks suspiciously.
“As in exclusivity. Which means I’d have to cut things off with Owen, but I like him too.”
“Fuck Poppy. How did you end up with one guy who’s a potential stalker and another who basically is, since he showed up unannounced?”
“You can just go if you’re going to be a dick about it.”
He sighs in resignation. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to you being so stressed, and I don’t like it. What does Cici say about it all?”
“I can’t talk to her about it. She sees Braden all the time, and I don’t want her to say anything to him. Plus, if she told Eli, it would make its way back to Braden since they’re such good friends.” I look at him guiltily. “That’s why I’m talking to you.”
He scoffs. “So I’m your only option, basically.”
I nod, and he shakes his head.
“It sounds to me like a week from today you’ll have your answer. Either Owen will agree to meet, or you ditch his ass.”
“But what if we do and he ends up being perfect?”
“That’s easy. He’s here, and Braden’s not, so that’s a no-brainer in my book.”
“Ugh.” I drop my head in my hands again and groan. This is why I’ve hardly ever dated. It better be worth it.
My head pops up, realizing how self-absorbed I’ve been. “Oh my God, speaking of… What’s going on with your love life? You were dating a girl named Stacey, right? How’s that going?”
“It’s over. She turned psycho. Started calling the office when I wouldn’t pick up the phone, and after she showed up last week when I was with clients, I told her we were done and had to block her number.”
“Geez. That’s intense.”
“Yeah, you never know someone until you do. But it’s fine. I’m so busy with work these days, I don’t have time to date. How’s business for you?”
“It’s not slowing down, that’s for sure. But that’s good. Make it while you can and save it for when you don’t, right?”
“No doubt. Speaking of work, I was coming in to find out if you’re listing that house we talked about last week. I may have some clients who are interested.”
“Trying to. I’ll keep you posted. I’ll tell the owners you’ve got someone, and maybe they’ll speed things up. Thanks for thinking of it.”
“Of course. Hey, sorry about being a jerk earlier. I just worry about you.”
“I know. Thanks, Matt.”
After he leaves, my body slumps in defeat. I’m not sure if I feel any better than before, but Matt’s right. The bottom line is, I’ll have my answer soon.
Hopefully.
Braden
The situation with Owen is more complicated than it’s worth, except that I learn so damn much about her when she’s talking to him. But after another night of shitty sleep, stressing about it, I’m considering my options.
She basically gave me an ultimatum, so I’ve got one week left. I might as well use the time I have before ending it. No harm, no foul, and in the meantime, I’ll enjoy every extra minute of her.
Speaking of, I’m missing the hell out of my little mouse. Waking up without her in my arms this morning didn’t help. Spending the weekend together pretty much did me in. I’m already obsessed with the woman, and if I could have her in my bed every night, I would.
Braden: Hey, Mouse. How’s the day treating you?
Poppy: Wow, a midday text.
Braden: Part of that wanting more thing I mentioned.
Poppy: Riiight. Anyway, today is rough. Super tired.
Braden: I must have worn you out this weekend ;)
Poppy: That you did. How about you?
Braden: Not worn out enough. I missed you last night.
Poppy: That’s not what I meant. How’s your day going?
Braden: It’s a Monday for sure. A busy one since I was out Thursday and Friday.
Poppy: I bet. I should let you go then.
I’d love to keep her talking, but Warren just walked in and is staring at me with raised brows. He can tell I’ve been off my game, which is unlike me. So, it’s probably a good idea to finish the conversation anyway.
Braden: Looking forward to reading tonight. Hope your day goes better.
Poppy: Talk to you later.
Warren pounces as soon as I put my phone down.
“Dude, what’s up with you? You’ve been dragging, and we have a lot of shit to get through. Are you seriously letting a woman interfere with work?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Hardly. I just sent a quick text saying hi. It’s not a big deal.”
“The big deal is you took two days off last week for the first time in years for this gal. You should be grinding to catch up. Instead, you’re sitting here, texting a woman with stars in your eyes.”
“It was two minutes. Chill the fuck out. I got shit done from the plane on the way to a meeting. I’m fine. Plus, isn’t that what I pay you for? Quit your bitching and tell me where we’re at on the Waymore case.”
We talk shop for a bit before he circles back to my distraction.
“So tell me about this Poppy chick. You’ve never been this into a woman. Is it serious?”
“I don’t know how it can be, considering she lives so damn far away.”