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He was staring at the screen, re-reading the email from June for the tenth time, and pensive. Something was ‘off,’ and it was hard to read a person when you couldn’t see their face or hear their tone of voice. His elbows were planted on the desk, his fingers laced before him, and his two index fingers were beating an alternating pattern on his lips as he pursed them.
Her email sounded almost terse… but it didn’t make sense. Why would you be short with someone if you wanted a pen pal? You wouldn’t be… which meant he was reading it wrong.
She wanted more information about him, so he would give it. He loved charming the ladies – and this was just another girl to win over, a puzzle to unlock, a challenge to win.
… And Ian loved a challenge.
Cracking his knuckles, he popped his neck side to side, and pursed his lips again, typing. His aunt used to call him a ‘wily little cuss’and a ‘mischievous scamp’ when he was a boy.
“Aunt Darcy, you had no idea…” he muttered, grinning at the clues Miss June Peyton had given him unwittingly.
She had replied to his email with a business signature attached to the bottom of the email.
His pen pal was a real estate agent in Tyler, Texas. Real estate agents have licenses that could be looked up online, website profiles, and won awards – which made it easy to find her.
And Ian certainly looked! He didn’t want to come off as a creep or a stalker, but he was a curious guy, and wanted to know what he was getting into.
June Peyton was gorgeous and had a large online social media presence. There was over thirty pages with her name plastered everywhere. She had won awards, attended conferences, spoke at real estate symposiums, and even participated in charities. The woman dressed like a dream, looking straight out of a magazine… and rang Ian’s bell like it was a gong.
“Wowzers…” he muttered, shaking his head distractedly, before going back to typing.
Sweet June,
You want to know all about me already? You sure move fast, my dear. I like a woman who knows her mind and isn’t afraid to take chances.
I’m a Cancer, a water sign, a lover that is a true home body, and a midnight crooner. I love to sing, eat, and cuddle… not necessarily in that order.
My favorite singers are the classics, like Sinatra, or Tony Bennett, or even Bing Crosby. My favorite foods are the adventurous ones. I like trying stuff that is new to me. Sushi, Takoyaki, Huitlacoche tacos, alligator, rattlesnake, possum (do not recommend), etc. If it’s something I’ve never had – I give it a shot because life is about living, right?
…And the cuddling? Well, that really doesn’t need explaining – does it?
College basketball is exciting and fun – and would be a great first date. We could have dinner, a beer, and watch the excitement together.
While writing letters is not exactly a normal way to pick up a girl? I do adore the idea of getting to know how your mind works… and you can get to know me without having to worry about restraining all those ‘burgeoning desires’ you feel when you first see me.
I’m a catch, I know… but I don’t put out on the first date, so we’ll have to become friends first – at least for my sake.
Don’t worry about being a statistic. I have nothing to hide and on the other side of the world from you. Feel free to look me up or call my family.
I’m the youngest of four boys. My mother will happily talk your ear off and whip out all the baby albums for you. When you see the naked baby picture of me in a pom-pom ski cap and boots? Try not to laugh. It was exceedingly cold out – and I was only two.
I’m thirty-two now… and in a much warmer climate.
*wink*
I get the computer once a week (Wednesdays), so it might be a few days before you hear back from me. Don’t panic – your friend is right here, waiting patiently to know all the details about you.
We’ll chat soon!
Ian
P.S. - Mr. Selkirk is my daddy… unless you want to call me ‘Daddy’ – but I thought we’d at least go on one or two dates first.
Give me a little time, I’m shy.
Ian was grinning and laughing as he clicked send – and opened up another tab on the computer after printing her email so he could have her address in hand. He was going to the exchange on base next to send her a little surprise to work his angle with this lovely girl.
Glancing up at the clock, he cursed under his breath and realized he had five minutes left before it was the next guy’s turn to get on the internet. Quickly placing an order, he logged off the computer and stood up. Grabbing his printout with June’s address, he gave a mocking salute to the next guy, tapping his fingers off his brow.
