Yours Truly

Butterflies and Boundaries

Jay reached down and picked up my keys, his hand brushing against mine again—just like last night.

Jay: "My bad, I was just trying to help. Didn't mean to startle you."

Me: "It's okay, really. Just a clumsy moment."

He smiled as he handed me my keys, and I narrowed my eyes.

Me: "What's with the smile? My clumsiness is funny to you?"

I giggled, then caught myself. My face was warming up—and there would be no blushing today. Call it playing hard to get, but I call it guarding my peace. I wasn't about to go down that road with Jay—or anyone.

From what I remembered, Jay was never a bad guy. But the idea of love, or anything close to it, felt... dangerous.

Jay: "I wasn't laughing at you being clumsy. I just thought it was cute."

Me: "Mmm... sounds like cap to me."

He let out a soft laugh and slid into the seat across from me.

Jay: "You got jokes. But I meant it."

Me: "If you say so. And... thanks."

Jay: "You're welcome."

We sat in a brief silence, but his eyes stayed on me—soft, steady. The way he looked at me made me shift in my seat. It wasn't creepy. It wasn't pushy. It was... unsettling in the way butterflies are. And butterflies always mean the possibility of catching feelings. That's the part that scared me.

Me: "You know... I'm starting to think you're flirting with me."

Jay: "And if I am, is that a problem?"

Me: "Yes... and no."

Jay: "Elaborate."

Me: "Yes, because it can lead to something—and I'm not looking. No, because a little flirting never hurt anybody... I guess."

Jay: "Fair enough. I just can't help it with you."

Me: "Here we go with the game. Humor me. Why not?"

I leaned forward, resting my chin in my palm.

Jay: "No game. Your whole vibe is different. It's rare... and I'm drawn to it."

Before I could respond, the waitress walked up to take my order. Jay had already eaten, so he just sat quietly, watching me.

Me: "Honestly... I'm surprised you're even interested. I didn't see that coming."

Jay: "Why not?"

Me: "You were in a relationship for years. Moved away. Started a family. I figured you were long gone. So for you to be here, saying this—it's a lot."

Jay: "Yeah, I get that. I didn't expect to be here either. But seeing you again... I couldn't just ignore the possibility. Even if it's just friendship, I'd be good with that."

The waitress returned with my food, but I couldn't even focus. My thoughts were racing. I pushed the plate around with my fork for a moment before speaking.

Me: "To be real with you... I don't think I'll ever be ready for a relationship again. What happened to me—what I thought was love—almost cost me my life."

Jay's expression softened instantly.

Jay: "If it's not too much to ask... what happened?"

I paused, looking down at my plate. But instead of fear or hesitation, I felt... calm. Like I could trust him.

Me: "No, it's okay. I just... this will be the first time I've ever really said it out loud. And for some reason, I feel safe enough to share it with you."

Jay nodded, giving me space.

I lost my appetite and asked the waitress for a to-go box. While I packed up my food, Jay spoke again, voice low and warm.

Jay: "I'm glad you feel safe. I know it's been years, but I'd like to get to know the woman you are now. Whenever we talk, just know this is a safe space. No judgment—ever."

Me: "Thank you. Honestly. I'm surprised how easy it is to be open with you. You've always been a good listener... I remember that much."

When the waitress brought the check, Jay didn't hesitate. He handed her his card before I could even blink.

Me: "Jay! No, it's okay, I got it—"

Jay: "Nah. I got you."

I didn't want to argue, so I threw my hands up in surrender.

Me: "Okay, okay. You win. Thank you."

We stepped outside, and the weather was perfect—just the right amount of sun and breeze. A bench nearby caught our eye, and we sat. Then I told him everything.

From the beginning.

He listened. Never interrupted. Just took it all in.

Jay: "Wow... I'm just... I can't believe you went through all that. And alone."

Me: "Yeah."

Jay: "So let me ask you this—mentally, how are you? I mean, you've been through hell. Are you sure you want to turn away from love completely?"

Me: "Mentally... I'm okay. I've done the work. I've let go. But as of now, I still feel like love's not for me."

He paused, his gaze holding mine.

Me: "What?"

Jay: "If you've really let it go... then why close the door to love altogether? Once you release the pain, your heart's free to feel again. To love again."

I blinked.

That was a good question.

One I hadn't truly asked myself.

Me: "You might be right. Maybe it's time to look inward. Dig a little deeper."

Jay: "Exactly. What if you've already met your soulmate—but because you've shut down, you couldn't recognize it? I know you're sensitive, you pick up on things. You just don't always say them out loud."

I tilted my head, giving him a look.

Me: "Who told you that?"

He just smiled.

I glanced down at my phone to check the time. Three hours. Three hours had passed like minutes. The conversation flowed so easily—no pressure, no performance. Just comfort.

It had been a long time since I felt safe opening up.

Jay was... different.

And maybe, just maybe, that wasn't such a bad thing.

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Excuse all typos

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