Chapter 5: Important Emails
A few days later, Elizabeth can't hold it inside herself of what she's done. She has to confide in someone, so she goes over to the computer and starts writing to her new friend:
LeatherJacket29.
Dear LeatherJacket29,
I just ended a relationship with a friend that I am not so sure that I wanted to end. If I go back now, it will seem like I want more than a friendship and I don't right now. All I want is their friendship back. I don't know what to do. Do you have any suggestions? I'm desperate.
Thanks,
PainterNY
She hesitated before she sent the letter, and finally decided to send it. As she said in the letter, she was desperate.
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In his penthouse, Jason is on the computer. It signs onto the internet and tells him "You've got mail." Jason rolls his eyes at the remark made my the computer and opens his mailbox. *She written back. I need to talk to her too.* He thinks to himself. He opens the letter and reads it. *It seems as if we are going through the same thing. Maybe we should meet.* He writes back:
Dear PainterNY,
I am kind of going through the same thing. Maybe you should tell the guy that you'd like to be friends again. I've also been thinking. We've been talking for a while and I've grown to trust and get to know you. I was wondering if you would like to meet, face to face? If you don't, there is no prussure, but I would really like to meet you. Write back soon.
-LeatherJacket29
*Do we really want to meet?* He sends the letter without thinking too much more about it. "If I think about it too much, I'll never do it," he thinks aloud. "I only hope she'll want to meet me."
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Elizabeth is working behind the counter at Kelly's when Emily walks in. "Hey Liz, how've you been?'
"I've been fine, but I need to pick your brain about something."
"Shoot."
"Thanks. You know that guy I've been emailing?"
"Don't tell me you're falling for him!"
"I'm not, but I've gotten to know him and trust him *she thinks about repeating his words* and he wants to meet. Is it me or does it seems harmless?"
"I don't know. You hear horror stories about internet dating..."
Elizabeth interrupts, "We aren't dating!"
"I know, but just for the sake of argument I'm using that term." Elizabeth rolls her eyes and Emily giggles at her. "Do you really think he's okay?"
Elizabeth hesitates. "Yeah, I do."
"Then do it."
"Really?"
"Yeah. If you feel comfortable with it, then do it."
"Thanks. I needed the encouragement."
"Sure. Anytime."
Elizabeth glances down at her watch and tells Emily that it's time for her to go because he shifts over. She takes off her apron, picks up her purse, gives Emily and hug and a kiss on the cheek, and leaves.
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Back at her studio, she sits down at her computer. She takes a deep breath and types the shortest, but most important email she's ever written:
LeatherJackey29,
Okay. I'll be at The Grill tomorrow at eight. I'll be wearing a red dress. Try not to be late.
-PainterNY
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Jason exhales sharply as he reads her note. He responds just as short:
Dear PainterNY,
I'll be there in a leather jacket (of course), jeans and a black shirt.
Sincerely,
LeatherJacket29
*Oh my! I hope I'm doing the right thing.* He thinks to himself. *What'll I tell Courtney?*
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"Courtney?!" Jason calls up the stairs.
She comes running down the stairs. It's almost eight o-clock the next night and he is dressed as he says. "Yeah?"
"I am going to meet someone at The Grill. I don't know when I'll be home."
"Is it business?"
After taking a deep breath, he says, "No."
"Who are you meeting?" Courtney asks nervously.
"I don't know exactly. It's someone I met on the internet on the bike site."
"Why do you need to meet them?"
"We've been talking for a few months now and we decided to meet. Are you okay with this?"
"Is it a guy?"
"No, she's not."
"I knew you've been distant lately. Are you having an affair on the internet?"
"No! I love you Courtney. I just want to meet her."
"Okay, but please be careful. You never know what kind of strangers you'll meet on the internet."
"I will. I promise."
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Jason is sitting at a table for two at The Grill. It's 7:55. He didn't want to be late. Then, just as he looks up, he sees a petite brunette wearing a red dress, with her back turned to him. He takes a deep breath before walking over to her *The moment of truth,* he thinks to himself. He gets up from the table and heads over. When he's a mere three feet away from her, she turns around.
"Elizabeth?" He gasps.