Page 41 of Over Time Advantage

“Let’s pray he doesn’t look like Quasimodo…or Tom Petty. That guy is nasty.” She scrunches her face in disgust.

I let out a laugh. “Fair enough.”

Reggie knows Lloyd and I talk on the app every night, but she doesn’t know any details. It feels like a betrayal of Lloyd to share that with anyone else. He’s had it rough, from a loveless marriage to years of being celibate and a ton of problems with his kids. I would never share the details of our conversations with anyone.

She squeezes my hand. “We’re all set for me to track your phone. I know you feel comfortable with him and you’re going to a public place, but he’s a stranger. You’ll be at the restaurant and then home. If you’re altering course, text me because if you’re not in one of those two places, I’m calling the police.”

I nod. We agreed to this, and it might be overkill, but she’s right. He’s technically a stranger. I don’t even know his real name. We mutually decided that we’d wait until we met in person to reveal our names.

The Uber drops me at the restaurant he chose. I refused to allow him to pick me up. If this doesn’t go well, I don’t need him knowing where I live. That’s normal modern-dating etiquette.

I’ve never heard of this place. It’s a little off the beaten track, but I’ve also never been line dancing.

I nervously wipe my clammy palms on my jeans skirt. He mentioned wearing a cowboy hat. When I looked up the place, it definitely had a cowboy vibe, so I’m going with it. In addition to the skirt, I’m wearing cowboy boots, a tight, flattering top that shows a bit of cleavage, and a thin, short leather jacket because it’s cold outside. I’d call it modern cowgirl.

The music increases in volume as I get closer to the front door. I can’t believe after all these months I’m going to meet Lloyd. I know it’s not his real name, and I have a tinge of excitement at finally learning it and seeing his face.

I don’t want to be superficial. We have a real emotional connection. I pray there’s some physical attraction. Just a small spark. Something. Anything where the outside matches the sweet, beautiful inside.

I take a few deep breaths and walk into the restaurant. I look around and can’t help but smile. This place is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. Who knew cowboy establishments existed twenty minutes outside of a big Northeastern city? I certainly didn’t.

Everyone is wearing jeans, jean shorts, or jean skirts. Cowboy boots and cowboy hats are abundant. The music is playing, but it’s not deafening. The peanut-shell-covered wooden dance floor is crowded with moving bodies and joyful faces. There’s a steady beat of boots hitting that floor as the patrons happily dance to the fun music.

I feel like this place belongs in the Southwest with its decor. There are horseshoes, saddles, and everything you’d expect from a real cowboy bar. It’s basically an oversized saloon. The doors leading into the kitchen are wooden doors that swing. There are rows and rows of regular wooden tables, and the booths line the back and side walls in a U-shape. Wow, this place is huge.

My eyes scan those back walls for the green flannel shirt I know he’s wearing. I take in almost every table until I see him sitting in the far corner booth. His head is down, and he’s wearing a cowboy hat. I can’t tell if it’s black or blue, but the shirt is green, so it must be him.

As I get closer, I can see he’s a big man with a bit of a belly, but not too much. Most guys over forty have dadbods. I’m okay with that.

I swallow and give myself a small pep talk before slowly walking toward him. He’s still looking down when I reach the table. “Lloyd?” I quietly ask.

The man looks up.

Oh my god. I was catfished. Not entirely on looks, but in age. This guy can’t be more than twenty-five.

He shakes his head. “I’m not Lloyd,” he smiles, “but I can be if you want, sweetheart. I’m happy to buy you a drink, gorgeous.” He points to the spot across from him in the booth. “Please. Have a seat.”

I wince. “I’m sorry. I’m meeting someone. I thought you were him. Have a good night.”

I scan down the only row I haven’t looked at, and that’s when I see the obviously blue cowboy hat. As I get closer, I notice the green flannel shirt. I can’t see anything else other than to know he’s extremely broad and appears to be in great shape from the waist up. No dadbod on this guy. He’s built more like a linebacker, with muscular arms. I suppose he’s mentioned going to the gym, but this guy looks like he lives there.

When I approach, he lifts his head, and all the air leaves my lungs. Familiar green eyes meet mine. The same ones I still see when I close my eyes at night. He might have a little less facial hair, but it’s him.

“Jett? Wh…wh…” My mouth opens and closes a few times, but words otherwise escape me.

He gives me a sheepish smile as he stands. He’s got the shirt and hat, but this must be a coincidence. I quickly scan the room for someone else wearing a green shirt and a blue hat, but I don’t see anyone who fits the bill. I’m so confused.

He looks down at me. “Hi, Fallon.” He doesn’t look remotely surprised to see me. “I’m really sorry I approached things this way. It started innocently. I just wanted you to get to know me without any preconceived notions. I didn’t expect it to go on this long, but you’ve been kind of busy.”

“Wait. You’re Lloyd? You’ve been Lloyd this whole time?”

At least he has the dignity to look ashamed as he nods. “Yes.”

I quickly run through our night together. God, it’s been nearly five months. It’s hard to remember every little thing. He knew about my dating app. Of course I remember that. I know we filled in some of the information together. Did he use the information he learned that night to trick me? Why would he do that? My shock quickly morphs into hurt and anger.

The air becomes stifling. I’m suddenly finding it hard to breathe. I need to get out of here and away from him.

I turn to leave, but he grabs my wrist. My traitorous body ignites from his touch. “Don’t go. Please,” he pleads with me. “Give me time to explain.”