Quadruplets Make Six

“My career, mostly.”

“What do you do for a living?”

“Work way too much,” he said. “What do you do?”

“Work way too much for too little pay,” I said.

The conversation was lighthearted and enjoyable, and not once did it turn to the idea of sex. He seemed interested enough in me to play my boyfriend for a night, so I went out on a limb and took the plunge. The worst he could say was ‘no’, and

since we weren’t face-to-face the idea of rejection seemed easier to stomach.

So, I dove in head first.

“Can I be honest about something?” I asked.

“I’d appreciate it if you were,” he said.

“I need a date for a wedding this weekend. It’s why I created my profile. I’m not actually here for… you know… extracurricular activities.”

“Most men on here are dogs anyway. I created my profile a few months ago to find people to spend my time with. The problem with me working all the time is that it doesn’t leave much time to do what I want, much less date,” he said.

“That makes sense. I’ve got time to date, but no one wants to date me.”

I regretted sending the message the moment it popped up on the screen.

“Why not? You seem like an intelligent woman,” he said.

“I’m quiet,” I said. “I go to work, come home, cuddle up with my cat. The bar and club scene isn’t my thing and I miss my books way too much while I’m at work.”

“I remember those days.”

“What days?” I asked.

“The days where things seemed easier and I had time to enjoy what I used to enjoy.”

For some reason, my heart ached for him. I couldn't put my finger on it, but he seemed almost… sad.

“The wedding’s Saturday. The ceremony starts at five, then there’s this massive reception. My parents were trying to set me up with some guy my mother met in a grocery store, and then I really stuck my foot in it by telling them I already had a date.”

“That isn’t a parent’s place. A parent should be able to respect their child’s decision with their lives, no matter the course taken. So many parents try to live their lives through their children, and the only thing it does it make those kids miserable. I’m sorry you’re going through that.”

“You hit the nail on the head,” I said.

“If you’re asking me to accompany you to the wedding, I’d love to.”

Holy shit, this was gonna work.

“The wedding and the reception is at the Stan Mansion. Do you know where that is?”

“I’m familiar with it, yes.”

“So… how does this work? Do I just… tell you I’ll see you there?” I asked.

“That’s fine by me. I look forward to seeing you then. Five o’clock at the Stan Mansion on Saturday.”

“Correct,” I said.

“I look forward to meeting you, Libby.”