The Rebound Game

Eight

Four episodes later, I dig out my phone from the couch and go through my Twitter and Instagram account. When I am certain that I am all caught up, I log into Face book. I see that I have one new notification and it reads Christian Bradshaw liked your picture. I click to reveal the picture and it is an ancient picture of me, Jess, Shirley and Ollie on our graduation and all smiles.

I can't help feeling nostalgic and I pass over the phone to Shirley.

" It feels like two centuries squeezed into twenty four months," I say.

"Yes. Look how happy we were. God, to think that I even thought I was fat. I would kill to be that size again."

Huh, perhaps it was not a good idea to remind her about her insecurities.

"I wish you would stop saying that. Many girls dream of a body like yours."

"I am not buying that crap Edwards, you eat like a moron and still maintain a perfect figure . I know for a fact that Jess wishes she had your metabolism."

Whoa. I did not know that. That's uplifting I guess. I have always maintained that Jess doesn't have an insecure bone in her body about her looks. She is of middle height, fair complexion and has nice curves.

" I am not the one who gets hits on the most at a bar."

"That would be because you refuse to make an actual effort with your beautiful afro," she deadpans and her attention is back to the movie.

I get a new message on my inbox and this time I read out aloud to Shirley.

Kate Edwards I see you have been ignoring my texts. I hope you're doing great.

Is he testing my patience?

"Okay, who is Christian Bradshaw? You have a new admirer I know nothing about?"

"Would you call a fifty year old Australian a secret admirer? I like to go with the kind term creep."

"Ha-ha. How about you just text him back to humor him? He could be some tycoon who wants to buy your love."

" I hate to admit that it's a fun idea, I am a broke bitch. Okay, so should I give him my number?"

"Yes. Just steer away from conversations that involve you exchanging too many pictures and personal information. Make up the rest of the details, like where you live, what you do excreta excreta."

"Hmm for someone who just swore off men, you are good at this."

"Oh please, online dating is not rocket science."

I roll my eyes and type a reply.

I am doing just fine.

Where are you?

In my apartment?

Sorry that was a bit ambiguous. Which part of Kenya?

So the bastard did his homework. Impressive.

I am from Nairobi, and you?

I am an architect from Sidney, Australia.

Interesting.