Stop stalling. Get out there. The love of your life could be waiting.I nod along with my inner mantra and get out of the car.
CHAPTER 02: BRANDON
“What are you wearing?” my grandma asks excitedly.
I glance down at my outfit, wondering if I put too much thought into it. Not that I’mtryingto impress, but something told me to look nice. “Uh,” I start, grimacing at the dog hair stuck to one pant leg and swatting at it while at a red light. “Pants and that shirt I wore for Thanksgiving.”
My dog just had to rub all over me before I left…
“The burgundy button-down?”
“Mhm.”
She squeals in delight. “Oh! I bet you look handsome. Who are you going to be taking pictures with?”
The light turns green, and I tap the gas. “Don't know. That's the whole point. You get paired up with a stranger and—”
“So the photographer is doubling as a matchmaker?” she asks, cutting me off. “That's unusual. Are you sure you wouldn't rather meet someone the old-fashioned way? You are always on that computer, and you've had your heartbroken and—”
“Grandma,” I sigh. “This isn't a date. It's just…stepping out of my comfort zone. We talked about this literally yesterday. It's fine.”
She grumbles under her breath.
I don't blame her for being worried about me. Ever since I came out as bisexual a few years back, and my parents went AWOL, she's been protective—scared others are going to bemeanto me. I'm 6’4 and pushing 250lbs. I'd like to see someone try to be mean.
“Well, as long as it makes you happy, honey,” she settles on.
“I don't know that it'll make me happy,” I admit. “But I'm ready to get back out there. And if all goes well, you'll get some nice Christmas pictures for your wall.”
“Oh, I would love that.”
“I know.” I can't help but grin as I picture her eyes glittering with joy.
We chat for a few more minutes, and then I end the call. Traffic is unreal today, making me stressed that I'll be late. The photographer, Sadie, seems really easygoing, so even if I'm a couple of minutes late, I don't foresee it being a deal-breaker. Hopefully, the stranger I'm meeting isn't a stickler for time. The goal is to make a good impression, not start the day on a sour note.
If not for my video taking forever to upload, I'd have left home sooner. But I couldn't resist. Rune said some fucked up things about Dreadful, and I've become quite the keyboard warrior to defend them. I never show my face online, not wanting some psycho to figure out who I am and where I live, but I do speak. A lot. And boy did I have some shit to say to his spewage.
I’ll never admit this online or to him directly, as we’ve exchangedseveralheated arguments via the comment section, but he does have decent taste when it comes to the metal genre. I just don’t understand his hatred for Dreadful. They’re incredibly talented. My best friend Sam thinks he’s just trying to get a rise out of me, and I take the bait. It doesn’t help that I enjoy watching his videos, with his animated hand gestures and extravagant makeup.
He looks like some futuristic space princess.
However, I draw the line in the sand with Dreadful. So, I’ve resorted to pettiness, and our rivalry brings in a fuck ton of views. People love it that we can’t stand each other. I don’t mind the payout for the content either. It’s how I’ve managed to keep afloat since I’m unemployed. Another reminder that I’m overall… undesirable. Having gone from making bank to making barely enough for groceries and rent has put a dent in my already nonexistent ego. Couple all that in with the fact my girlfriend of six years cheated on me with my old boss, and thus resulting in me quitting on the spot…yeah.
I’ve taken a year to sit with it all, focusing on my channel and spending more time with my grandma and friends.
I’m not a catch by any means, but I think this photoshoot will open some new doors for me. Potentially even remind me that I might have something to give. Who knows. I signed up for it, and now I have to follow through. I’m excited and scared shitless as I pull up to the park. My hands are sweaty, so I brush them off on my hairy pants and then take my hairout of the ponytail I’ve had it in. It’s primarily how I wear it, but both my ex and my grandma have said I look better with it down.
I take a deep breath and get out of my truck.
Who knows what’ll happen? Maybe it’ll be the best decision I’ve ever made.
CHAPTER 03: RUNE
I’m not a fidgeter, but today I’ve developed the urge.
My fingers play with the dangly chains on my leather jacket as I trek through the parking lot in search of a brunette woman. I spot her only a few minutes later, staring longingly at her camera. Sadie sees me and waves me over. The platform boots I chose to wear today make me taller than usual, so when I approach, I’m towering over her.
“Hi! You must be Rune,” she says politely with a pretty smile.
