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JACKSON
PRESENT DAY…
Sitting on the back porch, I read Rory’s text over and over. Did she invite me out to dinner knowing Brad was going to be here? No. She usually makes it a point to tell me beforehand if he’s joining us. I’ve always thought it’s her way to give me an out; deep down, she knows I’m not crazy about the guy.
Now that I can’t talk with her, I’m unsure of how to reply. I type and retype a few different responses before settling on the one I finally send. Rory doesn’t respond, and I don’t expect her to. The moonlight illuminates the land in front of me. There isn’t a single cloud in the sky, and there are no less than a million stars shining down on me. It’s time to face the facts. Rory will never know how I feel. I fucked that up a long time ago. Part of me has always thought she deserves better than what I can give her, and now it’s too late.
Taking a sip of my beer, I spin my phone around and around on the glass side table. It’s time to put Jackson first. I unlock my screen and re-download the three dating apps I used to use regularly. Except this time, when they ask me what I’m looking for, I check the box for serious relationships only. Before bed, I scroll through way too many profiles, swiping right on a handful. All right, I’ve made the effort. Let’s see where it leads me.
* * *
Thursday evening,I’m sitting at my desk in the station finishing up a few last-minute reports. The paperwork for this job has always been my least favorite thing. Terrell sits across from me, on the phone with his wife. He’s telling her he’s going to be late again, and she’s ripping him a new one. Her voice carries over to where I sit, and I bite my lip to stop the smile that’s on my face. While Terrell breaks out into a full apology, my cell phone buzzes on top of my desk.
Vanessa:Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I guess I’d have to say Jack and Jill.
Squinting at my phone, I shake my head in disbelief. Vanessa is a woman I matched with on one of the dating apps. She made it past the first round of interrogation questions, and last night we exchanged numbers. There are a few questions I ask every girl before I decide to go on a date with them. Some might think they’re dumb, but it helps me get a read on what type of personality they have. Earlier, I asked what her favorite Adam Sandler movie is. Honestly, most answers are acceptable, except for this one. Even Sandler doesn’t like Jack and Jill.
Vanessa:Have you seen it?
Unfortunately.
Me:Yeah, I think when it first came out.
This is the first test she’s failed. Come on Jackson, you can look beyond her obvious horrible taste in movies.
Vanessa:So, tomorrow I was supposed to meet up with an old friend from college, but she had to reschedule. Would it be too bold of me to ask you to dinner?
Hmm, she’s making the first move. Not really my style, but since I’m putting myself on a fresh path, why the hell not?
Me:Not too bold at all. If you pick the restaurant, I’ll pick you up at eight.
Vanessa lives in Austin, which has more restaurant options than Hawk Bend. Plus, a late dinner will give me enough time to go home, shower, and change after work.
Vanessa:I’ll text you my address tomorrow.
She ends her text with the wink emoji. It’s been a hot minute since my last actual date. This should be fun.
“What are you smiling about over there?” Terrell asks.
Looking up, I realize he’s been watching me. “I reinstated my dating profiles.”
“Really? Good for you. It’s about time you put yourself back out there. Find a woman besides Rory who’s willing to put up with your ass.”
“Nia sounds pissed.” I point to his phone, hoping to change the subject.
“Yeah, I’ve been late every night this week. Can’t say that I blame her. With the baby teething she’s up to nurse a lot more at night. She’s just exhausted.” Terrell rubs his bald head with the palm of his hand. The bags under his eyes are pretty dark. I bet Nia isn’t the only one losing sleep. “So tell me about this girl.” And we’re back to me.
“I don’t know that much about her yet. She graduated a couple of years ago from the University of Houston. Moved to Austin a few months back. She works in marketing.”
“That’s it?”
“Yeah, man. I’ve only been talking to her for a couple of days.”
“You didn’t run a check on her?”
“No.” I snort. “I’m picking her up. So if there’s any sign of crazy, I can bail and she won’t know where I live.”
“Does she know who your brother is?”
