Chapter 27 #2
AWalk90: You need to woo her. How many times did you go out with her? What did you guys do? You don’t need me. Just go with your heart. Surprise her. Give yourself a couple more days if you want to, but don’t blow your chance at a relationship that could last a lifetime because you’re scared.
JSpear84: Have you ever been scared of being with someone?
AWalk90: Terrified. In my 28 years, I have never felt so vulnerable. I don’t trust easily, but I let myself trust once.
JSpear84: How did that turn out?
AWalk90: Not sure. It might be great or not. It’s okay either way. You lose one battle, but learn how to deal and get ready for the next one. Though, I really think there was something between us.
AWalk90: Okay, you got me. It is just wishful thinking. It was good for a few days, but I think it’s over.
JSpear84: What’s going on?
AWalk90: If someone hasn’t called you in a week, is it over? I didn’t think about it until you just mentioned it.
AWalk90: Okay, as Laura said yesterday, I have to face the facts. I’ve been dumped.
AWalk90: I knew I came on too strong. Oh my gosh. It was because I told him I wasn’t ready…never mind you don’t need to hear about this.
JSpear84: It sounds interesting. Seems like I’m not the only one dating.
AWalk90: Leave me alone. You and I are just in a working relationship, let’s not forget that.
JSpear84: Let’s pretend for one moment that we’re friends. Did the guy you were dating ghost you?
AWalk90: Maybe.
AWalk90: I have no idea.
AWalk90: I mean … I had a meltdown. He got super upset, and I told him it was over. You remember the messages I sent you.
JSpear84: You feared he was abusive.
AWalk90: Yeah, but then he told me about his past and why his emotions were all over the place. And then... he kissed me. It was like no other kiss. For a moment, I wanted to do more but …I’m not ready.
JSpear84: That’s why you stopped answering his calls?
AWalk90: Do you think I should call him?
JSpear84: Did he call you and you forgot to call him back?
JSpear84: He said it’s over and you don’t remember?
AWalk90: Stop trying to guess. I’m not telling you what happened with him. How long does it take until I realize it’s over?
JSpear84: What’s his name?
AWalk90: Are you going to tell me your girl’s name? Are you going to send me a picture of yourself?
JSpear84: You’re requesting too much in exchange for a name. He could be a John, a David, or an Adam. I’m not asking for his last name. (Even though he has mine) He has one, right?
AWalk90: …
JSpear84: Is he John Smith?
AWalk90: What if I haven’t even asked him for his last name?
JSpear84: You don’t know the last name of the guy you’re dating.
AWalk90: Are you judging me?
I toss my hands up in the air and laugh. How is it that we went out on three dates and we never asked for more information? She has an inquiring mind that knows no boundaries. I don’t trust easily either. Why is it that we just went with the flow and never exchanged more than phone numbers?
JSpear84: Judging you hard. Why wouldn’t you ask for a simple last name?
AWalk90: We were too busy with other things that I haven’t thought to ask for it.
JSpear84: Who does that?
AWalk90: Stop judging me. You don’t understand.
JSpear84: I’m appalled. That’s so unlike you, Miss Walker, you’re losing your edge. I would expect you to know his social security number, address, how many girlfriends, wives or significant others he’s had. Even his medical history.
AWalk90: He flusters me. I know he’s divorced.
JSpear84: Somebody turned your brain upside down, and you can’t be yourself. He’s my hero.
AWalk90: My brain fries when he’s around. I don’t think of questions.
JSpear84: You’re smitten with a man who might be a serial killer.
I smirk at the screen. She’s squirming, and I’m having too much fun to let this end. Emmeline, let’s play a little game called, payback. After a couple of dates, I’ll come clean, and we’ll laugh about this.
AWalk90: He doesn’t seem like the serial killer-type. I met his brother, does that make you feel better?
JSpear84: He might be his accomplice.
Which isn’t a lie. Jason was my accomplice most of the time when I misbehaved.
AWalk90: If they kidnap me and hold me hostage, would you send somebody to rescue me?
JSpear84: I would if I knew where to send help, but we have no way of tracking him because you didn’t ask for his last name, Miss Walker. Of all the people I know, you’re the last person I would have thought would make such a big mistake.
AWalk90: Have I mentioned he’s the hottest man in the history of mankind?
JSpear84: I’m dating a very beautiful woman, and I know her last name.
AWalk90: What is it?
JSpear84: I wouldn’t tell you, that’s her personal information. I will not invade her privacy just to show you that I know who I’m dating.
AWalk90: Maybe she made it up.
I blink twice as I read her last sentence. It’s perfect to ask about Amy.
JSpear84: Would somebody do something like that? Pretend to be someone else?
AWalk90: Maybe she is planning on inheriting all your money once you died on your 80th birthday.
That’s not the answer I need, Emmeline. I drum my fingers against the desk. Come on, baby, throw me a bone here. Make sense of this mess.
JSpear84: By then she’d be too old to kill me or do anything with it. Stop avoiding my question. Tell me, would you create some kind of virtual persona?
AWalk90: Create one? No, I would use the identity of a person I already knew.
JSpear84: What does that even mean? You’d steal someone’s identity.
AWalk90: Let’s say hypothetically, I don’t want people to know who I am. I don’t create a person, I use the identity of someone I already know and that way I don’t get any facts wrong.
I smile as I stare at the screen. You are familiar with this. So who is Amy?
JSpear84: Hypothetically, let’s say you wanted to make up a person or use someone’s identity. Who would it be?
AWalk90: If I were to give a fake name, with a fake identity, and a fake background, it would be my twin sister’s. It’d be easier because I know her information by heart, and I wouldn’t have to make it up.
My inner turmoil doesn’t settle with the answer. She commented on being an only child. Then, I remember Emmeline mentioning a sister. Okay, tell me about your sister.
JSpear84: You’re an only child.
AWalk90: What’s with all the questions, Spearman?
JSpear84: Is that something you’d do only online? Faking an identity?
AWalk90: Yes, for protection and all that fun stuff. Working for people who think they are as important as God isn’t easy.
I read the last message several times. Of course, she gave me a pseudonym. If I’d known she was Emmeline Lancaster, I’d have been a bigger asshole.
JSpear84: That would be weird. You wouldn’t be yourself at all.
AWalk90: I would still be me. Changing names doesn’t mean I’m acting different. I can’t change personalities if that’s why you’re asking.
AWalk90: Why are you asking?
Because I want to give you the benefit of the doubt and fix our relationship. Just don’t ask me why because I can’t even understand it myself. The stupid magic, that spark that ignites between us, and my desire to be with you.
JSpear84: You think you know someone and suddenly you don’t.
AWalk90: It would get weirder if I tell you more, but that’s information you don’t need to know. Who is behind the computer shouldn’t matter? My friendship is heartfelt, my work professional. A name shouldn’t change the essence of who I am.
I squeeze the mouse, reading those words.
Maybe that’s the answer I’ve been looking for all along.
It’s her without a doubt. Should I try to mend things with her?
Definitely, I have to test the waters before I introduce myself as Jackson Spearman.
A couple of dates as just Jack. She can deal with the asshole online.
But in real life, I’m giving her the perfect man she’s been looking for.
JSpear84: I wouldn’t expect less from you, Amy. You’re one of the best virtual assistants I’ve ever had to the pleasure to meet.
AWalk90: I am the only VA you’ve ever known, and we’ve never met.
JSpear84: Honestly, I’m glad I met you.
AWalk90: Well, Romeo, let’s focus on you. It’s time for you to stop meeting people in chat rooms. This is not the 90s. Get your groove back.
JSpear84: Isn’t that a 90’s movie too?
AWalk90: It doesn’t matter. Get your head out of your ass and start living.
JSpear84: Are you going to wait for the serial killer to call?
AWalk90: Ha!
JSpear84: You’re not giving him a chance?
AWalk90: Nope, I think that’s all the dating I can handle for the year. I’ll change my number and start fresh next spring.
JSpear84: You would change your number to avoid him?
AWalk90: He’s a serial killer. I should be moving to another country. What if he’s busy killing his latest victim and I’m next?
JSpear84: You have an overactive imagination.
AWalk90: …
JSpear84: What if he is busy with work or traveling?
AWalk90: I have things to do, Spearman. If we continue this conversation, I’ll have to bill you overtime and charge it as emotional counseling.