When I first asked Caroline out after months of trying to work up the nerve, she informed me that she was on a “journey of aloneness.” She wanted to discover herself, date herself, fuck herself. I mean, I couldn’t argue with that. But my lust and infatuation remained long after our conversation.

I saw her a year after her declaration, working at a shop on our town’s main drag. Her face lit up when she saw me, and I took that as a good sign. Judging by the way she looked at me, I thought maybe, just maybe, I had a chance. So I decided to shoot my shot.

“New job?” I asked, already knowing the answer. She had originally been employed at a café two doors down from my office.

“Hey there, you! Long time, no see. And yes, a brand-new gig.”

I’ve never... Read More