WELL, #$%&!

From: Customer Service - Little Lost Bookshop

To: Lizzy Stones

Subject: WELL, FUCK!

I’m writing this as an email coz it’s easier to type faster etc. than on my phone.

SO.

I got bored a few weeks ago and signed up to Tinder/Hinge for shits and giggles, and yeah got some hits but paused it after like a day coz obviously not good right now. (George is still basically refusing to move out...)

WELL.

I got bored/lonely again a few days ago and unpaused Hinge. And I got another couple hits but I also got given someone’s “weekly rose”. He wears glasses, and obviously needs them to do something like that. I paused it again after a day or so – I know this is not how you’re supposed to use dating apps – but I didn’t get rid of that notification coz he looked super cute and hot and his profile seemed really nice. No idea how to respond to the message “looking stunning here Brianne” either. But you know, whatever.

JUST THEN.

I am 99.99% sure he just came into work to ask for directions to a gym shop nearby that he couldn’t find!! He was wearing an EB Games shirt - his profile said he worked there - and had a lip piercing that the guy had in the profile AND the glasses and it had to be him.

SO WHAT THE HELL DO I DO NOW?!

He didn’t say anything but I’m sure he wasn’t expecting me to be here (and if he was, how??). So, do I go on the app and message back or do I ignore it or what?! I looked up directions and had a very brief conversation and just felt my face go so fricking red and it’s still slightly hot, what the hell.

Don’t laugh, kill me.

Please and thank you.

If there is anything else I can help you with, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Kind Regards,

Brianne Stones | Lost Little Bookshop

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Lizzy: Hahahahaha!!

Brianne: I SAID DO NOT LAUGH

Lizzy: But it’s funny.

If you think you’d like him, message him back like a normal person.

Brianne: BUT I’M NOT A NORMAL PERSON AND HOW THE HELL DO I ANSWER

Lizzy: How am I supposed to know?

You could just ignore the fact that you guys might have met and just be like “Sorry for the late response” and then start a conversation… make him bring it up.

Or, since you gave him directions you could ask him if he made it. If you really think it was him.

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Mark: Haha wow Bri that’s awesome!

Brianne: This has never happened before, what do I do??

Mark: Aww Bri if he seems nice you should message him!! What’s the worst that can happen?

Brianne: Help me. I had no intent to do anything with the app message at the moment anyway. Do I just ignore it??

I feel so dumb.

Mark: Did he definitely recognise you?

Brianne: I have no idea. He didn’t say anything if he did and I avoided practically all eye contact anyway…

Mark: Hahaha oh Brianne!! You should strike up a conversation if you want to.

Brianne: I am not equipped for this.

In other news… how was your day??

Mark: Aww just message and be all “Hey was that you at my work today?” and send exactly that.

It was okay, still feeling a bit bleh but I’m chugging on. Running on little sleep but can’t nap so I’m sure I’ll pass out hard tonight.

Brianne: That sucks. I believe in you. Wish I could make you feel better. Things still rough with Emily? Make sure you’re eating vegetables and water and definitely get some sleep mmk?

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Brianne: Mark reckons I should just ask if that was him that came in today. But I don’t know.

Lizzy: That works too

Brianne: Does it?? Does it?!

Lizzy: Yes, it does

Brianne: What does Corey say??

Lizzy: Corey says that she wouldn’t but if you’re “into him” then you should.

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Brianne: Hey, was that you that walked into my work this afternoon?? haha

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Brianne: I sent him a message and I think I’ll die now.

Lizzy: You’ll be fine.

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Evan: Uhmm wow, it certainly was. I was just mentioning to a friend I saw a pretty lady today HA I’m sorry I didn’t recognise you.

I found the place by the way. They asked me back for a job interview. Thanks for the help.

I was honestly thinking I should’ve asked you out for a coffee but feel out of place asking people at their work.

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Brianne: HELP

Lizzy: He does seem genuine. Doesn’t mean he is but does seem it.

Brianne: I just said yes to a coffee.

Lizzy: Oooh fancy.

Brianne: What the HELL am I doing??

Lizzy: Meeting a guy for coffee.

Brianne: Haw haw haw

I’ve never done this before in my life…

Lizzy: When are you going?

Brianne: We’re going for a cafe date next weekend some time. First time I’ve actually been asked on a real date…

Lizzy: Yeah fair enough. Don’t have to like him straight away or at all, I guess. Will get you used to the dating scene.

Brianne: He seems really nice. And I’m ignoring the fact of everything in my life and the conversation about my current living situation with George that will no doubt happen and likely scare him off. And trying not to feel too nervous. It’s been distracting me a bit too while Mark isn’t talking to me much coz of all going on with his girlfriend and everything…

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Brianne: A relatively quick summary, that I’m sure will spark more questions that, again, I am happy to answer at some point: I was in a relationship with George for 11 years, from when we were 16 in high school, but we’ve been on the rocks for the last few years. Things have broken down a couple times and finally slowly came to a head over the last nine months that I ended it a couple of months ago… We own the house we live in together and I’m currently trying to get him to leave etc. coz I seriously want to have the rest of my life again.

Evan: Wow. That certainly is a lot to take in. Thanks for telling me though.

I guess what I’m worried about is whether this is a bit of a rebound or not, because I am looking for something long-term. I’ve already had my share of messing around and shorter relationships.

Brianne: Gosh no!! I am definitely looking for someone long-term as well! I already did the rebound thing… sort of.

We did actually break up for a while two years ago and I ended up seeing someone I worked with (huge mistake from beginning to end, many bad stories, lesson well and truly learned, he is THE MISTAKE). Honestly, no one else has ever shown any interest in me and I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who has actually asked me out on a date…

And, honestly, I really think this could go somewhere and I’d really like to see.

Though I entirely understand if you want to high-tail it and run and I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I know it’s a shitty situation…

Evan: Look, I think I’m pretty smitten with you tbh.

Brianne: I kinda really like you too…

I’ve never really actually traditionally dated so I admit I’m a bit nervous about it.

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Evan: I’m just reading. Like always HA

Brianne: Oh what book are you reading??

Evan: I read a fair few books I pay for via Patreon and it was an updated chapter for one.

One of your photos is you reading, what are you into?

Brianne: I’m mainly into YA fiction coz I’m actually a child and I don’t want to read about adult problems while I live them. Mainly fantasy/adventure. Though it’s more in theory than practice nowadays. Do you have a big collection at home??

Evan: Maybe 10-15? The ones I read are fantasy for sure. Who’s your favourite author? My fave would be the Magician series by Raymond E. Feist I think.

Brianne: Haha you’ll be excited to see my three bookshelves full. My Mum’s been trying to get me to read that series for forever.

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MAGICIAN

Raymond E. Feist

Dear Brianne,

I hope you find this story as exciting as I did.

Sincerely, Evan

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Brianne: WE HAD LUNCH AGAIN AND HE GAVE ME A BOOK AND I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST LENDING IT TO ME AND I WAS WONDERING WHY IT WAS IN SUCH GOOD CONDITION HE BOUGHT IT FOR ME AND WROTE IN THE FRONT

Lizzy: Awww

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Brianne: Hey, hope you’re alive.

Mark: I am surviving haha.

Brianne: That’s all I ask.

Mark: Thank you!! I’m trying.

Also, when I said you should get back on Tinder the other day and you said you needed to tell me a story, Bri did you meet someone?

Brianne: ...maybe a smidge…

But you’re still my number one guy, Daffodil.

Mark: Ahhh I love this!! I hope he is super nice and is making you happy!

Brianne: Remember that tensy freak out I had last week…? Story continues from there. But I’ve had a very good weekend at least.

Mark: Aww you decided to hit it up?! Good work you!!

But yes you can fill me in when we eventually catch up.

Brianne: Eventually haha. Hope you have time during your holidays! How are they?

Mark: It’s super chill so far! About to have a shower and then get some games in coz it’s Sunday so I can be lazy af. Did you make it to the markets?

Brianne: You’re on holiday. You can be lazy af whenever you want (not always tho or I’ll come poke you with a stick to get moving). Make sure you at least stand by a window. Remember you are just a complicated plant with anxiety. Keen to play some games though.

Yeah, Evan and I went to the markets and I bought myself some earrings, so that was really nice.

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Brianne: Evan wants to hang out again. Might invite him to the zoo when we go. Should I invite him to the zoo?? He wants to invite me around for his friends' board game nights.

Lizzy: Up to you. I’d say stick with board games and local things just coz you do want the zoo thing to go well and it may be a bit early. But either option is good.

Brianne: It is early, no doubt. He just seems keen, I think, and wants to invite me to stuff and I would like to invite him to something coz I’m really busy next month and it’s the least weird thing to invite him to.

Lizzy: Corey said it should be fine if you want to.

Brianne: Mum and Dad are very sick too, just a heads up. They’re coming to yours next week, right?

Lizzy: Yeah, Mum said they may not make it over.

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Brianne: Thanks for the games yesterday. Make sure you get some rest today, mmk?

Mark: That is the plan! And watching you solve all the puzzles in Limbo was amazing, we’ll definitely play again sometime.

Brianne: Even though you ended up solving half of them for me. I appreciate the support.

Mark: You are a gem Bri and I appreciate you always.

Brianne: Having the talk with George about getting the last of his stuff… Evan’s mentioned replacing his suddenly dead fridge with a big family-sized one and wants to know what type I’d prefer. Considering I basically was living with him after a month I think it’s safe (although, yes, very early) to say we’re a done deal haha.

Mark: He needs to realise he’s not helping anyone and making things worse. Let me know how it goes.

Also, that is great!! Don’t follow everyone else’s timelines if you are happy with where you’re going. You deserve it.

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SPEECH – remember to breathe

Everyone knows I’m not one for speeches, so this’ll be short. I’d like to thank a few people. First, Lizzy, for being my maid of honour tonight and successfully dealing with my anxiety and stress over the past few months. As my sister she has little choice than to be the one to listen to my complaining and venting. In a very close second, I’d like to thank my best friend, Mark. If it wasn’t for these two people none of us would be here today. I’m sure everyone knows the story of how Evan and I met. What some people might not know is that I had a good, long freak out, completely red in the face, about him showing up at my work out of nowhere. And if it wasn’t for Mark and Lizzy telling me to calm down, I don’t think I would have gotten the courage to reach out. Evan likes to tell me that he was going to come back and ask me out and, while I’m still not sure if I believe him or not, I am glad that I was given the push to make that move. And, of course, to Evan. I used to think that “perhaps they were right putting love into books. Perhaps it could not live anywhere else.” And then you appeared. Perfectly made for me. You keep me calm and make me ridiculously happy. You let me drag you around travelling. You let me pick the Celtic rings we absolutely cannot afford. You balance my overthinking with your incredible flexibility. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.