She's The One

To Text...or not to Text..

Denise kept touching the paper with Tom's number on it.  She had spent all last night and half of today with anxiety.  Every time she went to make a new contact in her phone, she exited out quickly.  Sighing, she decides to try a text.  Surely he has much better things to do? 

Tom looked at his phone again for the umpteenth time since 7 this morning.   He looked all yesterday afternoon and evening,  then started again before, during, and after his usual run.  After taking Bobby out for a walk, he continued checking just to make sure he had a good signal.  Then he became anxious, and the 'What-ifs' started.  What if he wrote his own number down wrong?  What if she wasn't interested?  What if... she's with someone? He sighed heavily, glancing over at Bobby sleeping soundly.  The poor pup had wore his little legs out pacing with his daddy earlier. Tom leans back in his seat, running his hands through his hair, then over his thickening beard, giving it a gentle scratch.  He closes his eyes and rests a moment. 

Denise finished the short text.  After being a dork by spell-checking it and rereading it several times, she sent it. She puts the phone down like it's on fire and goes to make a cup of coffee.  She tells the negative thoughts in her head to shut the hell up as she pours a bit of creamer into the steaming cup.

Tom jumps a bit as his phone indicates a new text was sent.  His heart is beating faster as he hastily unlocks his phone and sees an unknown number.  Taking a deep breath,  he opens the text and reads.

::Hi, this is Denise Carey.  We met yesterday at the festival?  I'm honestly surprised you handed me your number.  I'd be happy to talk shop about my books with you.  Feel free to text or call me at your convenience.  Thank you::

Tom chuckles a bit.  'Oh Denise.. I guess you didn't realize I want to talk about more than that.'  He thought to himself.   He smiles and texts her back,  forgoing a call for now.

As Denise sits with her coffee, the phone chimes.  She almost spills her coffee, her hands shaking as she puts her coffee down.  She feels her heart pounding as she unlocks her phone.  She gasps and squeaks as she reads the text.

::Hi Denise.  I'm so glad you decided to contact me.  Although I do love talking about Shakespeare, and I definitely love your reference books, I honestly want to get to know you better.  I have to confess,  the first time I saw you, it was in my favorite cafe.  I got so distracted by your lovely laugh, I almost spilled my coffee.  I had hoped to see you again someday, so imagine my suprise yesterday when I saw you again.  Please allow me to take you to dinner?  Or I can cook for you in my home? Feel free to text or call me anytime.  I'll be waiting patiently (not really patiently 😏) for your answer.  Take care::

Denise can't stop smiling.  He wants to get to know her, not her books, or her writing.  She sends a text back to him.

::Yes, I'd love to have dinner with you.::

Tom smiles, excitedly planning an amazing night in his head.