Todd and I had been together for ten years. He’s 38, and I’m 41. I was never one of those people who cared about age. I embraced turning 40, but when Todd left me for a 28-year-old sixteen months later…
Well, needless to say, I got a little self-conscious.
Are you literally texting with the photographer or something?
Angela: Of course! She’s super sweet, and you’re going to have a blast with your session partner.
Another thing I’m dreading. I actually have to meet this person and somehow magically conjure chemistry. Good God.
I’m going to be awkward as hell. You know that, right?
Angela: No, you won’t. You’re going to get all lovey-dovey with a hot model who is going to think you’re smoking hot, too!
I seriously doubt that.
This is just a regular couples shoot, right? Nothing crazy? Is this still all about capturing chemistry and the beauty of fall, or is that a big ruse?
The dreaded three dots appear, disappear, then reappear in rapid succession. My stomach drops. If I know her, this is something crazy…
Shelly: Okay, jigs up. It’s a dungeon scene. BDSM. Think blindfolds and whips.
I AM LEAVING!
Shelly: I’M KIDDING! It’s a totally normal couples shoot. Mild intimacy at best. But please send me a selfie of your face right now, because I know it’s priceless.
You’re in big trouble.
Angela: I’ll make it up to you with drinks at Sky Lounge.
You better…
Angela: Get in there! Have fun :-*
I know I’m going to need more than just one happy hour to recover from this ordeal. The picture of Todd and me reappears onscreen—like it's slapping me in the face. I thought I’d found my forever person. Getting back on the market at freaking 41? It makes me want to cry, but I don’t have any tears left to shed.
My groan could rattle concrete as I shove my dumb phone in my pocket and slam thecar door behind me.
I just need to buck up and get through this. Maybe I’ll get a couple of pictures to use for theOK Cupidprofile I’m dreading to create.
Is OKCupid even a thing anymore?Can’t think about that.
Just get in there, smile, and leave.
CHAPTER 02: DYLAN
Why didn’t anyone tell me that majoring in Theatre would lead to absolutely zero job prospects after graduation?
Spoiler: everyone told me.
All I know is I need some freaking headshots, and Sadie, the photographer, said she’d snap a few during this couples shoot.
How hard can it be?
I shove my work uniform in my duffel and restyle my hair for the eightieth time. I hate getting my picture taken. I’m cute-ish now, I guess.
At least that’s what dudes on Grindr say…
But the self-conscious little boy who preferred watching movies with a tub of Häagen-Dazs says otherwise.
