Chapter 3
By the time evening settled in, I was stretching out on my bed with Netflix playing in the background, half‑watching, half‑scrolling through my phone. I sent Chase a quick text:
Me: Hey, what are you up to right now?
I set my phone down and opened Instagram, checking the group chat with my friends. I figured I’d fill them in.
Me: Hey guys, thought I’d tell you how my meetup with that guy from Tinder went — his name is Chase.
I hit send and switched back to my messages just in time to see Chase reply.
Chase: Not much, just playing video games with one of my friends. What about you?
Me: That sounds fun. What kind of games do you like?
He listed first‐person shooters, racing games, fantasy — the usual guy mix, but it made me smile anyway.
When I checked the group chat again, everyone responded at once, asking if he looked like his pictures.
Me: Yes, he did — which was nice, considering how many guys lie or catfish. The meetup went well, and I think there were sparks.
They agreed, told me to be careful, asked if I’d told him the truth about my past age‑lying and school. I told them I had. They approved, then launched into more questions while I bounced between them and Chase.
Eventually, I asked him something that had been sitting heavy in my chest.
Me: Be honest — after our meetup, after I told you about my past and everything… did it make you think differently of me?
I stared at the screen, my mind spiraling through every possible outcome. Five minutes passed. Then my phone buzzed.
I opened the notification but covered the message with my fingers, too nervous to read it. After a breath, I slid my hand away.
Chase: Honestly, no. Especially about you falling behind in school — I was in the same situation and graduated earlier this year. And about the age thing… I was surprised, but I’m glad you told me early instead of dragging it out. If you’d been fifteen or sixteen, that would’ve been different. But you’re eighteen now, so it’s not a big deal.
Relief washed over me so fast it made my shoulders drop.
Me: You make a good point. I was worried you’d changed your mind, but now I know where you stand.
We kept talking until I drifted off without saying goodnight.
Sunday morning came slow and soft. I woke up around 10 a.m., still wrapped in blankets, savoring the last day before school. I grabbed my phone.
Nothing on Instagram.
But in my texts:
Chase: Good morning, beautiful.
It had been sent only a few minutes ago. I smiled.
Me: Good morning! I just woke up. Sorry for falling asleep on you last night — it happened out of nowhere.
Chase: No worries.
Me: What’s your plan for today?
Chase: Not sure yet. The day has just started.
Me: Same.
We talked for a bit, and then I messaged my group chat to see if anyone wanted to hang out. Natalie responded first.
Natalie: I’m down. Starbucks? Then we can go from there.
Me: Sounds good! What time?
Natalie: 1 p.m.?
Me: Perfect. See you then.
I hopped into the shower, letting the hot water wake me up. When I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, I checked my phone again — no new messages except Natalie confirming.
I decided to clean a little before heading out. Dad would appreciate it, and honestly, the house needed it. I washed dishes, scrubbed the stove, and wiped the counters. By noon, the kitchen sparkled. My room wasn’t too bad — just cluttered — so I picked up clothes, laughed at my own lack of organization, and tossed everything into the washer.
After a quick drink break on the couch, I checked the time: 12:45.
Time to go.
I put on my shoes, grabbed my backpack, and locked the door behind me. On the way out, I texted my dad:
Me: Hey Dad, I cleaned the kitchen and started my laundry. I’m heading to Starbucks to meet Natalie. I’ll be home later.
Then I texted Natalie:
Me: On my way!
The walk was easy, the afternoon warm. When I stepped inside Starbucks, I spotted Natalie in the back. I waved.
“I’m going to order something real quick,” I told her.
“Go for it.”
I ordered, waited, then grabbed my drink when the barista called my name. I joined Natalie at the table.
“Hey! What’s up?” I asked.
“Not much,” she said. “Just got here a little before you.”
“Anything new?”
She groaned. “I wish the weekend wasn’t over. I don’t want to go to school tomorrow.”
“I feel that. This weekend flew by.”
We talked for a bit before she leaned in, eyes bright.
“So… what does Chase look like? Do you have a picture?”
I laughed. “He’s tall — like 6'3 — brunette. Here, I’ll show you.” I pulled up his Tinder profile and handed her my phone.
She scrolled, eyebrows rising. “He’s cute. And I’m glad everything went well.”
“Yeah. At least he wasn’t catfishing me. And… I really like him.”
“Well, as long as things go smoothly. Just don’t rush — you fall fast.”
I winced a little. “Yeah. I know. Thanks.”
We finished our drinks and wandered the promenade, checked out stores and talked. My phone buzzed — a text from Dad.
Dad: Okay, thank you! Be safe and let me know when you head home.
Me: Of course.
Then Chase:
Chase: How are things going?
Me: Good! Just hanging out with Natalie. But… I’ve been thinking about you.
Chase: Fun! I’ve been thinking about you all day.
I smiled and tucked my phone away.
By 7 p.m., the sky was dimming. “I should head home,” I told Natalie.
“Same. See you tomorrow.”
We split off, and the bus came quickly. When I got home, Dad’s car was in the driveway. I stepped inside.
“I’m home!” I called.
Dad came out of his room. “How was your day?”
“It was good. Hung out with Natalie.”
“Glad you had fun and got home safe.”
“Yeah. Especially with all the weird people out there.”
He chuckled and went back to work.
I sat on the couch, phone in hand, debating. What I wanted to say felt risky — but in a good way.
Me: Hey! How was your day?
Chase: Good. You?
Me: Good too. And… I want to confess something.
My heart pounded.
Me: I’m falling for you. I’m liking you more, the more we talk. I can’t help it. I don’t know how you feel, but I needed to say it.
I hit send before I could overthink it.
The typing bubble appeared. Disappeared. I came back.
Then:
Chase: I’m falling for you too, Lola. You’re special to me. There’s no one else I’d want in my life. I don’t want to scare you, but I want to turn this into something more. It’s crazy how strong the spark is after just one day.
A huge smile spread across my face.
Me: You’re so sweet to think I’m special when I’m just… me. I’d like to turn this into something more, too.
We talked for a while longer, soft and warm and easy.
Me: Let’s continue this tomorrow. I’m getting sleepy. Good night.
Chase: Goodnight, cutie. Talk to you tomorrow.
I plugged in my phone, changed into comfy clothes, and crawled into bed. Sleep came quickly — warm, hopeful, and full of him.