“And that’s a bad thing?”
“It’s a horrible thing. My heart isn’t ready for him, Edna, and I don’t know if it’ll ever be.” I set the towel aside, grab a blouse, and proceed to tell Edna about the first and only time I’ve ever had my heart broken.
By the time I finish, she’s watching me with glossy eyes. “Oh, Lizzie. I’m so sorry, I had no idea.”
“I want to say ‘yes’ to him, but I can’t.” A tear trails down my cheek, and I wipe it away. “I just can’t because I don’t think our friendship could survive another mishap like that.”
“Your friendship, or your heart?”
I set the blouse on the table and look at Edna. “Both.”
She nods. “Maybe he has changed. Maybe he won’t hurt you again.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I’m not sure if I’m ready to find out.”
“That’s understandable. So, until then, you’ll keep using those dating thingies?”
“Apps.”
“Whatever. You’ve been using them for a while now, and you still haven’t met a suitable man.”
“And…”
“Maybe you should try to find love, or a man, or whatever you’re looking for, the old-fashioned way.”
“The old-fashioned way?”
She nods. “You know, out in public instead of on an electronic device.”
“And how exactly would you propose I do that?”
“You young people.” Edna shakes her head and smiles. “You have to get out of the house, Lizzie.”
“I do, a couple of times a week when I go on dates, and when I take you to the Senior Center.”
“No, I mean you have to get out and live. Go to the park or the library, check out different bookstores or coffee shops. Meet real people out in the real world. Strike up a conversation and, if you feel a spark, act on it. What better time than now? School is out, and you have the summer off.”
“I don’t know, Edna. Dating isn’t that easy anymore.”
“Or maybe you’re making it too hard. Maybe all you need is to mix things up a bit, ditch those apps, and let fate take the wheel.”
“Fate, huh?” I say, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth while I contemplate what she’s saying.
I can’t say I haven’t thought about it myself, I just always figured it would be harder that way. But maybe she’s right. Perhaps I’m making it harder. Maybe I need to switch tactics.
“So, you’re saying I need to walk into the grocery store and get my food rather than ordering it online and picking it up?”
“You can do that?”
I nod. “It’s glorious.”
“You need to go inside.”
“Okay. And I guess you want me to stop using Uber Eats, too?”
“Huh?”
“Nothing. I appreciate the advice, and I’ll think about it.”