I wasn’t a runner. You’d think by my twenties I would have accepted that, but I’d tried to save money by ditching the gym membership. Elliptical trainers and spinning classes worked just fine for me, but running? Forget it. I made it a few times around the block before I was a combination of cold, sweaty, and frustrated. I couldn’t give up though. I was stressed, and exercise was the healthier of my options to deal with it.

I opened my computer and found some workout videos. That was more my speed. I managed to get through thirty minutes of one before I closed out and downed a bottle of water.

I glanced at my phone. I saw Norm's name, and my chest clenched. Then I read the text. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

What? No contact for months, and then he sends a generic message like that? I tossed my phone down and slumped down on the couch. Wow. Evidently the kiss had meant even less to him than I thought.

But did that mean I shouldn’t reply? Would it somehow cause issues with Alex if I completely ignored him? Maybe I was overthinking things, but that was how I usually rolled. It was a part of my personality I was never going to get rid of. I pictured my very pregnant friend finding out I couldn’t be bothered to reply to her brother-in-law. Finally, I gave in. I could easily reply and get it over with.

You too. I hit send. My text was lame, but then again so was his. I should have used an explanation point. I mean you too! I sent it before I really thought it through. Ugh. That was probably worse. I mean I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

He didn't reply, and I threw my phone across the room, careful to aim for the rug not the wood floor, before I could type more.

I might as well have added a Christmas tree emoji.

I heard my phone beep with my text message sound. I retrieved my phone and closed my eyes while I flipped it over. I wasn’t sure whether I really wanted to see his response.

I opened my eyes slowly. It wasn’t from Norm. It was from Leif. Forgive me.

I told you I’m not mad. Just disappointed. There was no reason to ruin a friendship over my own insecurities.

No. I’m asking forgiveness for something else.

I froze. What?

My guess is you are going to find out soon.

Forget texting. I called him. It went to his voicemail. “This isn’t funny.” I left only those three words as a message before texting him back. Answer your phone.

No.

Was he serious? He knew me well enough to know how stressed this was going to make me, and I didn’t need more stress. Don’t be a jerk.

I already asked you in advance to forgive me. Not much else I can say.

I was formulating a response when Norm texted back. Lol I like the sentiment no matter what punctuation you use. How are you?

My heart rate accelerated. Really? Over a text message? I’m doing fine. You?

Fine as well.

And now what? Did I let it go? Ask another question?

Before I could decide, he replied. You getting any snow?

From awkward holiday talk to the weather. Fantastic.

I rolled my eyes even though no one could see and checked my email. I didn’t recognize the first sender’s name, but I clicked on the email. I immediately wished I hadn’t.

I opened the email and realized this all had to be Leif’s doing. His words about forgiveness made complete sense.

Hey Nancy,

I normally ignore ads like these, but I couldn't help myself after seeing your picture. Love to go to the ball with you.

-Dale

Everything got hazy. What the heck? What had Leif done? Before I could process another email popped up.

Hi Nancy,

Calvin here. I’d be down for the ball. See attached pictures. I assure you I look good in a tux.

There was no way I was clicking on those pictures. Instead I tried Leif again. Of course it went to voicemail.

I had to figure out where he had posted the ad so I could get it down. The emails appeared to be normal addresses. There was no company name, and the subjects were individually written.

Before I could figure out what to do next another email came in.

Hey Nance,

Nice picture. Would like to meet you before the ball.

Adam

Nance? Was this guy serious? What kind of picture had Leif put up? A bunch of horrible possibilities flitted through my mind. I did a quick Google search. Nothing recent came up for my name. It was likely on a private site. I needed someone who was good at these things. Leif was usually my go-to person for this sort of thing, but obviously he’d caused the problem and I currently hated him. Asking him for help was out of the question.

There was only one other person I knew who might be able to figure this out. Unfortunately we were only on weather and holiday greeting speaking terms. Could I really admit to him this was happening? Would he even help me?

I refreshed my email and four more showed up. Ugh. Yes. I could face him. It was better than letting this mess go on any longer.