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“I’m hanging in there,” she says. “Thank you so much for asking.”
Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most to people in these situations. Simply asking someone how they’re doing almost always puts them at ease. I hope Tenley’s taking notes.
I continue. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Tea? Water?”
“I offered that,” Tenley says flatly. “She said she’s—”
“—Actually, I’ll take a coffee if you don’t mind,” Courtney says, folding her hands and watching me intently.
I don’t have to look at Tenley to sense her annoyance at the situation. Courtney didn’t want coffee when it was first offered to her but now that I’m here…
“One coffee, coming up. Actually, I’ll make that two.” I look over at Tenley as I head for the kitchen. “Three?”
“No, thank you.” Her voice is neutral. Groggy almost. Given the fact that we worked until almost eleven last night, I imagine she’s tired. Makes me wonder if she’s turning down the coffee out of spite.
Three minutes later, I return with two paper cups of coffee. The room was eerily quiet before I stepped in—I get the feeling Tenley was struggling with the small talk. I set a cup in front of Courtney, along with a stirrer, some tubs of creamer and sugar packets. “Forgot to ask how you took it so I brought a little of everything.”
She smiles. “That’s perfect. Thank you.”
As I sit down again, Tenley gives me a hardened squint and says, “As I was saying to Ms. Perry before you arrived, Brooks, matters are slightly more complicated now that James has decided to file for full custody, but—”
“—He’s such a bastard,” she says under her breath. “I did everything for those kids. He wouldn’t even know how to wipe their asses. It’s infuriating.”
Courtney looks at me for affirmation.
“We agree,” I say, sure to include Tenley in this since we’re a team and should appear as a united front regardless of our opinions of one another. “Which is why we’re not going to let him get away with it.”
Courtney smiles at me, and only me. “That’s why I know you’re the man for the job.”
It’s as if Tenley doesn’t exist.
For the first time ever, I actually feel bad for her.
11
I woke from my Saturday nap around eight o’clock, immediately checking my phone to see if it’s 8 AM or PM because I slept so hard I wasn’t sure at first. After coming home from our meeting with Courtney Perry, where I was rendered practically invisible, I crashed hard, not even bothering to change out of my suit.
Now I’m wide-awake, lying in bed, waiting for Stranger88’s response to respond to my latest message. I see the dots dancing, indicating he’s responding, and my breath hitches.
Stranger88: I don’t know. Probably a giraffe. I always wondered what it would be like to be that tall.
I laugh, and it hits me.
Stranger7721: So you’re short.
Stranger88: Nope. But it must be great to be that tall. Why? You like tall men?
Stranger7721: Yes. Not giraffe tall. But yes.
Stranger88: I hope you are not disappointed when you see me. I’m only six three.
Stranger7721: Ah, shoot.
Stranger88: What’s wrong?
Stranger7721: Unfortunately you’re not tall enough to ride…
Stranger88: Height doesn’t matter when you’re horizontal.
I fixate on the fact that he said when you see me. This is really happening. We’ve casually mentioned making plans to see each other when these ninety days are up, but I haven’t expected either of us to follow through with it. It’s just one of those things you say because they feel good in the moment.
Stranger7721: I really don’t even care what you look like.
The rules of the app state you’re not supposed to talk about looks in any specific kind of way, but I’m not sure how they would police that? Surely there are ways around it. A person could easily say, “I have BLU3 3Y3$” and avoid any bots patrolling for rule-breakers.
Stranger88: You say that now…
Stranger7721: No, it’s true! I’ve always been more attracted to someone’s brain than anything. Intelligence is the sexiest thing in the world.
Stranger88: Agree. Also, one more question. I know you would love to be a dolphin, and I’d love to be a giraffe. But what animal would people say you most resemble?
Stranger7721: Hmmm. That’s a tough one.
Stranger88: Not really.
Stranger7721: Okay, so you go first.
Stranger88: A teacup poodle.
I snort.
Stranger7721: So you’re… little?
Stranger88: No, I’m just lovable and strangers want to hug me all the time. And I don’t shed so I’m hypoallergenic.
Stranger7721: Oh good because I’m terribly allergic to anything with fur.
Stranger88: Noted. I won’t wear my mink boxers when we meet.
I blush.
Stranger88: Anyway, you haven’t answered the question. What animal represents you best?
Stranger7721: A porcupine.
Stranger88: Interesting. So you’re prickly?
Stranger7721: People at work—well, one person in particular—seems to think I am.
Stranger88: What happened?
Stranger7721: We were meeting with an important client and he made a fool out of me.
