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Mom: And his naosh, this is so exciting! I ive you, sweetieShit

Don’t lie, kids Or else you’ll have to deal with the backlash of your inary boyfriend a atch off Etsy and finding out on Christ that you don’t have a boyfriend, and then your dad will probably start wearing the da mother sees it, she’ll re a boyfriend, and then it will just beco life

Although, right now, I’ to have to not practice what I preach Instead, I’ll hold on to the fragile hope that I will somehow find the man of my dreams in the next couple days and fix all my problems the unconventional way

Seeing that my train is only a minute away froe that will end this insane conversation—for nowMe: Mootta run, but I’ll be sure to tell you all the details soonHer response—I can’t wait!—co smiley-face emojis

Hey, God, it’s ht’s date with Mark be the equivalent of a real-life Hall too much?

The train comes to a stop, and I slip my phone back into my purse and step onto the platforood five et up the steps and onto the sidewalk thanks to hoded it is, but once I reach the outside, the brisk, late-fall air brushes against my face and provides a much-needed emotional cooldown

Three blocks later, I stop in front of Art New Vogue, a popular gallery in Chelsea and the very place I’ll bemy date

Thankfully, this ti a reminder peek at his profile picture before I hopped on the subway, and when I grab the black lass door and step inside, I spot him

Light-brown hair, gray eyes, and tanned skin covered by a white collared shirt, navy suit, andtie, Mark Dawson stands near the reception desk of the gallery with a khaki trench coat hanging across his arm

Man, he’s, like, crazy dressed up

I have to adood

I glance down at my simple black shift dress, jean jacket, and ankle boots and silently wonder if I ht bubble is quickly popped when Mark smiles and steps toward me