I pace nervously in my bedroom.
My laptop is open on my desk, waiting.
Amber
He’s seven minutes late.
Amber
My first date in a year, and he’s late.
I look over at my cat, Pepper.
Amber
I spent an hour on my makeup.
Amber
If he doesn’t show up, I’m gonna be ticked.
I blow a stray curl out of my face.
Amber
Virtual dating sucks just as much as real dating…
Amber
Doesn’t it, Pepper?
I sit at the desk and stare at our chat window.
Marcus
Can’t wait to see you! I’ll call you at eight.
Amber
I’m an empowered woman.
I click on the video symbol next to his name.
A video call screen pops up.
"Calling Marcus" shows at the top.
My own video starts as it rings.
I fuss with my hair anxiously.
Finally, the call connects.
A startlingly handsome guy appears on the screen.
Marcus’ profile pic did NOT look this good.
Amber
You look…different from your pictures.
Guy
I’m Theo, his roommate.
Theo
He was supposed to borrow my laptop for a call…
Theo
But I haven’t seen him tonight.
Theo
I can try to find him.
Amber
He probably doesn’t want to be found.
Theo looks at me with concern.
Amber
Yeah. Just disappointed at being stood up.
Theo
Wait, this is a date?
Theo
Marcus has a date with a girl like you…
Theo
And he stood you up?
Amber
What do you mean, a girl like me?
Theo
I guess I would have said you are out of his league.
Theo
Don’t tell him I said that.
Amber
You really mean that?
The sound of a door slamming comes through the speakers.
Marcus
Bro! Let’s get some pizza and play Fortnite.
Theo
Don’t you have plans?
Amber
Nice to meet you, Theo.
Theo
The date you stood up?
Marcus
Shoot, I totally forgot.
Theo
Yes. Also, she can probably hear you.
I disconnect the call, then look at my cat.
Amber
I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up.
I slump in my chair and rub my eyes.
Amber
At least his roommate was nice.
Amber
Why aren’t guys like THAT on online dating?
Pepper jumps in my lap, and I smile.
Amber
At least I have you.
Amber
Even if I’m doomed to be single forever.
I get out of bed and stretch.
It’s a message from Marcus.
Marcus
Hey. Sorry about last night.
Marcus
I’d love to make it up to you.
Marcus
Video call. Tonight. I promise I won’t be late.
Marcus
Please? I’m really into you.
Amber
This is a bad idea, isn’t it?
I’m tired of being single.
Amber
8 p.m. I’ll call you.
It’s 8 p.m. I’m dressed in my nicest blouse.
I sit in front of my laptop.
Amber
He’d better answer this time.
I click on the video chat option.
"Calling Marcus," it says.
I wait…and wait…and wait.
Just as I’m moving the mouse to click out…
Not only is it not Marcus…
But Theo looks really good.
His tight t-shirt highlights broad shoulders…
And his hair is tousled in a sexy way.
Amber
Why did you answer?
Theo runs his hand through his hair.
Theo
Well, Marcus isn’t…he’s…uh…
Amber
He’s not there, is he?
Theo
I haven’t talked to anyone but my family in ages.
Theo
Do you want to chat?
And honestly, I’ve been lonely.
His face breaks out into a huge smile.
Theo
Great! So tell me about you.
Theo
Are you in college with us?
Theo
What are you studying?
Theo
What are your hobbies?
Theo
How do you know Marcus?
Amber
Slow down on the questions there.
Theo
Sorry, I’m just excited to talk to you.
Amber
Yeah, I’m in college with you.
Amber
I study engineering.
Theo
Beautiful AND smart.
Theo
Marcus is a lucky guy.
Amber
I mean, we aren’t together or anything.
Amber
We haven’t even had a first date.
Theo
Still, you like him.
Theo
He’s not the best with scheduling…
Theo
But he’s a decent guy.
Amber
I’m not looking for someone who’s just decent.
Amber
I want someone reliable. Smart. Kind. Passionate.
I chuckle self-deprecatingly.
Amber
You probably think that’s ridiculous.
Theo
That’s what I want, too.
Theo
But I’ve been single for ages.
Amber
You’re so cute, though.
Theo looks delighted and embarrassed at the same time.
Theo
Well, I think you’re—
Marcus
Bro! Get off the laptop!
Theo
First of all, it’s my laptop.
Theo
Second of all, you’re late.
Marcus
Only by five minutes! She can wait.
I open my mouth to say something…
But my cat takes that moment to race across the table.
She knocks over my glass of water…
My screen flickers and goes black.
I frantically try to dry my laptop.
Amber
Well, that date wasn’t going anywhere, anyway.
Amber
But I was enjoying talking with Theo.
Amber
You’re lucky you’re cute…
Amber
Since I’m destined to be a crazy cat lady.
I’m finishing setting up my new laptop.
A notification appears on my screen.
Amber
You have a lot of nerve—
I trail off when I see Theo.
He’s wearing a dress shirt.
A candle flickers on the desk next to him.
Amber
Theo? Why did you call me?
Theo
I feel bad that you got stood up twice.
Theo
You deserve a real date.
Amber
I am NOT speaking to Marcus again.
Amber
I know he’s your friend, but—
Theo
The date isn’t with Marcus.
He holds out a single red rose.
Theo
Unless you don’t want to…
Amber
I liked you the moment I saw you.
Theo
I think we’re going to have a great time.
