It’s the first time I’m seeing any indication from RB that she’s a real human, and I allow myself precisely one minute to wonder what the rest of her might look like. Her face. Her hair. Her smile. Her laugh.

Do her eyes crinkle in the corners when she gets excited about something?

Does she have a dimple when she smiles? Two? None at all?

How tall is she?

Blinking, I break the reverie and return to earth.

“It’s nothing.” Placing my phone face down on the table, I give him a shrug.

Neil raises his eyebrows. “Nothing? You’ve checked your phone six times in four minutes. Are you meeting someone after this?”

“No, I’m not meeting someone after this,” I snap, irritated by the assumption. “I’m just…”

Just what?

Just talking to a random person non-stop, several hours of the day dedicated to carrying on a conversation I look forward to having?

Just continuously checking my phone even though I’m aware nothing is waiting for me because I made sure there wasn’t a new notification six seconds ago?

Just dealing with some unpleasant cackling sensation in my chest at the thought of RB spending time with someone else?

This is the opening I’ve been waiting for to tell Neil about hiring a companion for my parents’ party. He wouldn’t care. Sure, I’d probably get ribbed for a few minutes, but he’d understand the severity of my situation and realize it was one of my only options.

What I don’t want to share is how I can’t stop thinking about RB. Even though I’ve never met the woman, heard her voice, or seen her face, her digital presence is profound, lodged between the other important parts of my life—work, family, and the guys—a constant reminder she’s working her way into becoming a regular fixture.

A fixture I want to be there, sturdy and solid and real.

“It’s nothing important. I’m expecting communication from someone.”

“You look like you’re about to pull your hair out.”

“I’m fine. Anyway, let’s hear it. What gives? Why did you drag me out this late?”

Neil grins. “I’m going to ask Rebecca to marry me.”

“No shit!” I exclaim, reaching over to pat his shoulder. “That’s awesome, man! Congratulations!”

“All I have to do is buy the diamond and hope she says yes. Have you heard of Pinterest? That place is a goldmine.”

“She’s going to say yes,” I laugh, motioning for the approaching waitress. “Can we get two shots of vodka, please? My boy here is getting married.”

“How fun! I’ll bring them over in a second. On the house, since it doesn’t look like you’re getting married.” She winks at me, eyes darting to my ring finger.