FGFGFGFGFGFGFGFGFG: Part IV

This is the fourth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, and Part III before continuing.

“So, are you going to make out with your phone, or what?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“You were looking at that screen pretty intensely. I was beginning to wonder if some evil mastermind had used it to control your mind or something.”

“You watch too many bad movies. I was just looking at this girl’s picture.”

Henry leaned over Josh’s shoulder to take a look. “She’s hot.” He punched Josh’s shoulder. “I told you you should go out with her. You totally owe me one.”

“I don’t owe you anything. At least not until I get there and see what she really looks like. You know people never put pictures of themselves on these sites.”

“Did you put up a picture of yourself?”

“Yeah. Just in case my parents ever decided to fact check and see if I had actually set up a profile.”

“And what if they read your answers to any of the questions?”

“I was counting on them not getting that far. It should be enough for them to see my name and photo and think I was at least making an effort.”

“Why do they care so much?”

“Something about how I’m their only hope for grandchildren and I have to carry on the family legacy blah blah blah.”

“Your parents are weird,” Henry said, shaking his head as he walked into the kitchen.

“Tell me about it.”

When Henry returned a few minutes later with a Coke and a sandwich, he said, “Are you still staring at that picture? How is that going to help if it’s not even what she really looks like?”

“I’m just trying to get a feel for whether this seems like a legit picture of a real person or a stock photo of a super model or something.”

“OK, I said she’s hot. She’s not that hot.”

Josh put his phone down. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Henry laughed. “Don’t sound too disappointed.”

“Actually, I think I might be more disappointed if this is what she really looks like. If I don’t have an excuse for not recognizing her, then I actually have to go through with this date.”

“So? It’s one date. If it doesn’t go well, you never have to see her again. What’s the big deal?”

“I dunno.” Josh started running his hands through his hair, a gesture Henry knew from years of living with him was a nervous tick.

“Are you nervous?”

“What? No.”

“Holy crap, yes you are.”

“No, I’m not. OK, maybe a little. Doesn’t everyone get nervous before going on first dates? Isn’t that why they’re the worst and should be avoided at all costs?”

“Wow.”

“What?”

“You’re into her.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You want her to like you.”

Josh went back to looking at his phone without bothering to give his roommate an answer. Henry chuckled as he walked off with his lunch.

To be continued…