Christian

Digits was fierce and I couldn’t help but be a little turned on by her self-confidence. I needed to; no, I wanted to get to know her better.

“Have you always lived in New York?” I asked.

“Yes. And you?”

“Yes. Do you have any other fierce siblings out in the world?”

“No. I’m an only child. My parents tried for years after I was born, but my mom couldn’t conceive.”

“I’m an only child as well. My parents didn’t even want children to begin with, but accidents happen. Are your parents still married?”

“Yes. They have the best relationship ever. My dad is a one-of-a-kind guy, and so far, every guy I’ve met doesn’t even come close to him.”

“So you’re searching for someone like your father?”

“He’s a good guy who loves my mom very much. He’s never lied to her, cheated on her, and they barely argue. It would be nice to have a guy like that in my life.”

“Sounds abnormal to me.”

“It’s how I was raised, so my standards are set pretty high. What about your parents?”

“My dad passed away a few years ago and my mom has since gotten married to someone else.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. It’s nice that your mom moved on. Do you like him?”

“Thanks. Yes, I do. He’s a good guy and treats her well. What’s your favorite type of food?”

“Italian. Unfortunately, I love all those carbs.”

“Lol. Me too. But I get the impression you stay fit.”

“I do. Now back to relationships. Why don’t you have a girlfriend? You seem like a nice guy without too much douchebaggery going on.”

“I’ve had a couple of relationships in my life, but they didn’t seem to work out. I was busy with my work and it pretty much consumed all my time. I guess it’s just easier to date a variety of women without all the drama and hassles of a relationship.”

“A person is never too busy when they find the right person, Mobile Man.”

“Then maybe I just haven’t found the right woman yet.”

“What about that girl you were telling me about? The one who doesn’t want to get to know you?”

“She’s one I definitely can’t stop thinking about.”

“What’s so special about her?”

“She’s beautiful and kind. I don’t know how to explain it, Digits. There’s just something about her.”

“Does she have a boyfriend or something?”

“No. She just got out of a relationship and isn’t ready to date anyone yet.”

“I can relate to that. If you want my opinion, I think you should chase her. Make her want to get to know you.”

“Isn’t that a fine line of stalking?”

“No, lol. Women love to be chased by men. Just don’t be creepy about it, and whatever you do, don’t be a douchebag! Unless she totally despises you. Does she despise you?”

“I don’t think so. She gets really nervous around me. I think she wants to go out but is afraid. From what I understand, she’s been hurt in the past.”

“Again, I can relate. Everybody’s been hurt by someone. If you really can’t stop thinking about her, then do something different to grab her attention.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Try to get to know her better without asking her on a date. Make it something totally casual.”

“Good idea. I’ll give it some thought. So, what about you? What’s on the dating horizon for my friend Digits?”

“You already know, Mobile Man.”

“Ah, that’s right. You’re just trying to get inside the heads of men. What did you say you do again?”

“I’m in social media relations.”

“Too vague for me, darling. I don’t quite understand.”

“I’m a writer and I’m helping women with relationship advice for men who behave badly.”

“Huh? What do you mean ‘men who behave badly’?”

“Guys who ghost, bench, breadcrumb, zombie, etc.”

“LOL! Come on! What the hell does all that mean?”

“Have you ever disappeared from a woman’s life without any explanation? Just cut off all contact abruptly because you didn’t feel like seeing her anymore? Be honest, Mobile Man.”

“Well, yes, I have.”

“You ghosted that poor girl. You already know what benching is because I explained what happened to me tonight. Now, have you ever dated someone a couple of times but aren’t really feeling it but don’t want to cut ties off completely in case you get bored or lonely? Did you ever just randomly text that girl, throwing out little nibbles of I’m interested still so please don’t go anywhere?”

“Maybe.”

“You are a breadcrumber, Mobile Man.”

“You’re being ridiculous, Digits.”

“If you don’t believe me, look it up for yourself.”

“So what the fuck is a zombie?”

“After you ghosted a woman, have you ever come back, like six months later and out of nowhere text her and ask what’s up?”

“Jesus, Digits.”

“I’ll take that as a yes. Zombie-ing is when the ghoster returns after a period of time. They rise from the dead, so I like to say.”

“I just want to set the record straight. Once I’m done with a woman, I don’t go back. So, no, I do not zombie. Maybe the others, but not that.”

“I take great comfort in knowing you’ve done the others but not that one, lol.”

“Let me get this straight, you’re saying that only men do it and women don’t do this shit?”

“No. I know women do it, but I’m helping the ones get away from the men who do it.”

“Good luck with that. I think every man does it.”

“Only the ones who haven’t found the right woman to share their life with. And the ones who are seriously fucked in the head and don’t deserve a woman in their life period.”

“Do you think I’m fucked in the head?”

“No, lol. I just think you haven’t found the right woman yet. In fact, I wonder if this girl you can’t stop thinking about is the one for you.”

“Guess only time will tell. I’m going to take your advice and chase her. No matter what, I will get her to go out with me.”

“That’s the spirit, Mobile Man. I’m proud of you. It’s getting late and I’m tired. Chat tomorrow?”

“Of course. This was fun, Digits.”

“It was!”

“I still think we should meet?”

“And ruin this fun we have? I like it better this way. Good night, Mobile Man.”

“Good night, Digits. Sleep well.”

I set my phone down and sighed. Talking to her had become the best part of my day. As weird and strange as it sounded, I felt like she was becoming my best friend. How would I explain that to people?