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Private messaging people is scary. Attempting to surpass someone's perfectly curated profile to dig deeper takes courage. My fingers shake as I type out my message. He's got 523,000 followers, but he's still a person, right? He won't laugh at me, right?
When I found out my favorite book reviewer Justin Rhodes is coming to my city, I knew I had to do something. I forced myself to look past my fears and sent him a private message about visiting my family's bookstore.
And he responded.
As my heart rate starts speeding up, I remind myself that he's just a guy. A very attractive guy, sure. But still a person.
***
March 12th comes quickly. My hands shake slightly as I rearrange a display for the third time this morning. I carefully selected to wear a cream sweater, a black skirt, and black flats. My auburn hair is down today.
Soon, he arrives. His sandy hair is slightly damp as if he just got out of the shower, but his chestnut eyes are alert. He's clutching an expensive-looking candle.
I make my way over to him. "You must be Justin."
He glances away from the New Young Adult section. He looks at my eyes first, then my sweater before blushing slightly and looking back at my face.
"You must be Cindy."
He awkwardly runs a hand through his hair.
"Yes, that's me. Welcome to Bookish Treasures!" I give him a full tour of the store while he records. On camera, he's louder and more expressive. But once he turns the camera off, he's back to being shy.
"I hope you got some good footage for your vlog."
"I did. I appreciate it, Cindy. Hey, I have a bit of time before I've got to go to an interview. Do you have any lunch recommendations?"
"Central Yums is pretty good. It's right outside of Central Park and has amazing burgers and fries."
"That's my kind of place."
I nod, not sure of what to say next.
"So, are we going?" he asks while picking a loose strand off his pants. Is he nervous? Am I making him nervous.
Wait, did he just ask me to join him for lunch?
Sensing my hesitation, he starts blushing again. "Oh, sorry. You're probably busy. I just thought it would be nice to uh.. never mind.
"I'll go," I tell him, smiling. He returns my smile. I tell my dad I'm taking my lunch break and then lead Justin outside.
"Navigating the city seems complicated," he announces as he trails behind me like a puppy.
"It gets easier after time."
"Good to know. I move into my apartment on Tuesday."
I turn around to face him, making sure to keep my fast walking pace.
"You're moving here?"
He breaks out into a huge grin. "I am. Los Angeles has gotten tiring. I'm ready for a new adventure."
"Wow, that's great. You'll love living here. There's so much to do."
"I'm excited, but I don't know anyone. Well, I know you but that's more of a work thing. Unfortunately."
