Steph has all but given up on ever seeing Dave again.
Then she unexpectedly gets a text.
Steph remembers promising Kylie that she would give Jason a chance.
Jason
I’ve been thinking about you and wondered if you wanted to grab a coffee tomorrow?
Steph
Sorry, I’m not on the app anymore.
Jason
Not looking to hook up.
Jason
I’d like to get to know you a little better is all.
Jason
I know this is out of the blue.
Jason
But really, I keep thinking about your smile.
Jason
How it lit up your face. It was pretty amazing.
The sex between them had been great.
And she now knows she wants something deeper.
Jason seems to want that too.
Maybe if she gets to know Jason better, they’ll find some common interests.
He’s kind and decent. She knows that much about him.
Maybe this is the universe’s attempt to make things right?
Jason
I can wait. I know I sprang the invite on you.
Steph
There’s this little cafe not far from my place.
Steph
Java Wava. I can be there at eleven tomorrow morning.
Jason
I’ll make that work. See you tomorrow.
Steph immediately texts Kylie.
Steph
Guess who just texted me?
Kylie
You finally heard from Dave?
Kylie
You mean the very late first date, great sex Jason?
Steph
He says he wants to talk. Get to know me.
Steph
He said he can’t stop thinking about my smile.
Kylie
In the boy’s defense, you do have a rockin’ smile.
Kylie
So did you say yes?
She can hear the real question in her friend’s voice.
Steph
It’s been almost a month.
Steph
I think it’s time to admit that I lost my chance with Dave and I need to move on.
Steph
Maybe Jason’s the one after all?
Kylie
Maybe you need to give him a chance.
The next morning, Steph is waiting at the café.
She hadn’t realized it was across the street from a dog park.
Watching the animals run around reminds her of Nutty.
Nutty reminds her of Dave.
And then her heart starts to ache again.
Then Jason is standing in front of her.
Jason looks good enough to eat.
He’s wearing a dark T-shirt and jeans.
He gets appreciative stares from the waitress, but he doesn’t notice.
Steph stands and he pulls her into a hug.
His arms are solid and strong.
He smells good, but it’s not the same scent that Dave wears.
And it does nothing for her.
Neither do his lips on her cheek.
Jason
It’s great to see you again. You look amazing.
She glances down at the blouse she decided to wear for her date.
It’s the same shirt she was wearing when Dave almost kissed her in the grocery store.
She’s just realized why she picked this one.
Jason
So I have season tickets to the Flyers.
Jason
I’d love to take you to a game sometime. They’re pretty intense.
Jason
Do you like hockey?
Steph
Not really. I’m not into sports much.
Jason
Oh. Well, there’s this new nightclub that opened up downtown.
Jason
It’s supposed to be great. We could go this weekend?
It becomes clear that they have very little in common.
He’s cute and nice but there just isn’t a connection.
He likes sports and dancing.
She’s into coffee shops and retro movies.
Steph
I’m sorry…I don’t think this is going to work.
Jason
Did I say something wrong??
She looks into his eyes and sees his concern.
And hopes he won’t hate her for leading him on.
Steph
There’s this guy and I have no idea if there will ever be anything between us.
Steph
But it feels…wrong…being here with you until I know for sure.
Steph
I thought I was over him but I’m really not…
Jason moves his seat closer and takes her hand.
His gaze is understanding.
He leans in and kisses her softly on the lips, then stands up.
Jason
You have my number if things don’t work out.
Jason
It was really nice to see you again. I hope you find what you need.
Steph
Thank you. And you too.
Jason gives her a self-deprecating smile.
Jason
I think I did, but I waited too long to figure it out. Bye Steph.
After he’s gone, Steph finds herself at the dog park.
The dogs are so happy, chasing balls and barking, that she loses herself in their antics.
Until she feels a nudge on her sandal.
A small dog, wearing a sweater, is pushing a ball at her feet.
The dog yips and starts to bounce around her.
She looks up and sees Dave standing there holding a leash.
All she can do at first is stare at him.
Tension builds between them until…
Steph
What are you doing here?
Dave chuckles and shakes his head.
When he meets her gaze, his eyes are brighter.
He holds up the leash and points to Nutty.
Dave
Dog park. Dog. The question is…
Dave
What are you doing here? Did you get a dog?
Steph
No I…I was at the cafe across the street and was just…
Steph
Where have you been?
Steph
I’ve been looking for you for weeks.
Steph
You haven’t been at the coffee shop or the grocery store…
Her voice breaks and she clears her throat.
What if he doesn’t really like her?
What if he’s been avoiding her?
Dave
I sold one of my sculptures and the client wanted me there for the entire installation.
Dave
On the other side of the country.
Dave
Not enough choices on that app of yours?
Steph
I deleted it after…
It’s now or never for Steph.
Steph
After I figured out that you were the one I wanted to be with.
It seems as if even the birds go quiet,
As Steph waits for Dave to speak.
He appears to struggle for a second,
Then take two steps until he’s right in front of her.
He cups her face and, stares into her eyes, searching.
She covers his hands with her own.
Steph
If you don’t like me that way…
Dave
Believe me, I like you that way.
Dave
But I’m not into playing the field.
Dave
I’ve been there and done that and have no desire to go back.
Steph
I don’t want to do that either.
Steph
Meeting you made me realize that.
Dave studies her for a few more seconds.
Then he pulls her closer.
Dave
So no more swiping right?
Steph
No more chasing Mr. Wrong.
Steph
When Mr. Right is here in front of me.
Dave
Then there’s something I have to do before we go any further.
His lips cover hers, and suddenly, Dave is kissing her like he’ll die if he stops.
Her legs go rubbery and she clings to him.
She kisses him back with every ounce of want in her body.
When he pulls back enough to rest his forehead on hers,
She’s panting for breath.
Dave
I’ve wanted to do that since the night we met.
Steph
If you had, we’d probably have gotten here a lot sooner.
They laugh and he kisses her again, pulling her flush against his body.
She has never felt more at home.
Steph
So, I have an important question.
Steph
Do you want to go see the Hitchcock marathon with me this weekend?
Steph
Yes, like a real date.
Dave smiles and tangles his fingers in the hair at the back of her neck.
He pulls her closer and kisses her again.
When he pulls away again, they are both breathless.
His lips are barely touching hers.
So she feels his words when he speaks.
Dave
I thought you’d never ask.
