Page 44 of Meet Cute Reboot

Macy doesn’t answer immediately. I don’t know if she was hoping for more or what, but that’s my max.

“Thanks, Luke,” she says finally. “I really appreciate it. So does Gabe. Or he will when he’s old enough to know who’s supporting him.”

That last comment makes me cringe. When I agreed to help Macy after I found out she cheated on me, I didn’t set an end date. I should’ve. I should’ve provided expectations, stipulations. Does she think I’m going to send Gabe to college?

I rub my face.

“No problem,” I say. “Just make sure the money goes to its intended purpose.”

Macy scoffs. “I always do.”

“OK. Well. Then. I trust you.” No, I don’t. I don’t trust Macy. She cheated on me and lied about me being the father of her child.

But cheaters can change.

I’ve changed.

“Keep me updated on Gabe,” I say.

“I will.”

We say our goodbyes, and then I drop my earbuds on the desk.

Best case, Macy finds a good man and doesn’t need me anymore. Worst case, I end up needing a lawyer.

Either way, I can’t fix it today.

I tap my mouse to wake up my computer.

Back to work.

Chapter 11

Cassie

I can’t stop thinking about the moment on Luke’s porch when he stepped closer to me, when reason told me to retreat, but I stood firm instead and relished the proximity of his body, undeterred by his sweaty cologne smell, even intrigued by it. I have every reason to be cautious about Luke. There’s no need to count the reasons why. They’re in the forefront of my mind, enjoying a seat right next to Luke’s sexy, sweaty self.

I spend Tuesday trying to distract myself with business management tasks, switching from accountant to payroll specialist to IT business analyst to HR rep multiple times within two hours. One of my tour guides calls to change his tax withholdings, Drew calls to clarify system requirements, bills need to be paid, invoices need drafted and sent, office supplies need restocked.

It’s a busy day for walk-ins too. Five pairs of customers stop in to schedule tours. Some people still prefer face-to-face interactions over my scheduling app, usually older folks. I welcome the distraction. The human contact keeps me focused,versus those quiet moments where Luke Curtis slips into my consciousness uninvited.

At the end of the workday, I check my MatchAI and Instagram stats. The livestream of my “second date” with Luke has over forty thousand views and five hundred comments.

OMG, you two are so cute together.

You should legit start a reality TV show.

I want to hear more from Luke’s drunk mom.

Can’t wait for your third date. More streams please.

The livestream corresponds to a bump in mobile app downloads and new subscriptions. I shake my head then cover my eyes and lean back heavily in my office chair. It looks like Luke is my secret marketing sauce, but I’m not sure I like the taste. I’m not sure I don’t like it either. And that’s a problem.

I decide to call it a day and head back to my apartment, which is located behind the break room. I found this place based on a tip from someone in my Toastmasters’ group. My landlord rents the office and the studio apartment together. It’s allowed me to grow my business while maintaining a brick and mortar.

The apartment feels spacious even though the square footage is small. At less than three hundred square feet, it’s the smallest place I’ve ever rented. The high ceiling gives the illusion of space, and the large warehouse-style windows overlooking the alley bring in ample light. I can climb through a window to access the small balcony and fire escape, but when I do, Pudge glares at me from the windowsill. She doesn’t seem to understand that indoor cats do not belong in the wild.

My cat, Pudge, greets me at the door. I scoop her up in my arms. She starts purring and taps her nose to mine.