The moment I hit send, I realize it makes me sound like an ass, so I text again.

Anyway, wherever you go, you can get a new job, apartment. As for the boyfriend, I’m sure a woman like you will have no problem finding one. A better one.

Judging by the way she looks, getting interest from men is the least of her concerns.

A woman like me? Thanks, I guess, but you don’t know me.

What am I doing? She’s right. I know nothing about this girl, and here I am, getting all friendly. Yes, she’s gorgeous, but I’m not looking for anything and let’s not forget the only reason she’s talking to me is because I told her about her douchey boyfriend, so she’s definitely not looking for anything either. And even if she were, it wouldn’t be with me.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply anything. Just trying to boost your morale.

Is that part of the Lift services?

Sometimes.

OK, well, I’ve kept you long enough. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. It’s nice to know there are still kind people in this world. I’ll go back to the airport. Have a nice day.

I start to type, ‘OK. You too’, then delete it. I start the text a couple more times only to delete it. She’s sad and I feel crappy about the whole thing. Just seeing her there and thinking that she’ll spend all day at the airport. What an awful way to celebrate your birthday.

Nobody deserves to be stranded in an airport on their birthday. I have an idea. If you want, of course.

I watch her read my text, wanting to reply, then changing her mind. No answer.

I know a place, a hundred miles from here and it’s just like you said you imagined California. Ocean, beach. If that’s what you dreamed for your birthday, you should totally do it.

What’s the name of the place?

Carmel by the Sea. You probably never heard of it. It’s small.

I haven’t. And while this is a nice idea, I just don’t know. I’m not used to being by myself. I don’t know anyone here. What would I do the whole day?

I can pick you up and go with you if you want.

This is beyond forward and I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. I think I’ve been spending too much time being serious, and following a routine, and now I’m overcompensating.

I see her reading the message, but she’s not texting back. I freaked her out. Great job!

No offense, but I don’t know you. Sorry, I know you’re trying to be nice, but…

I just offered because you said you didn’t want to be alone. I think you should go… even if you’re by yourself. What’s the alternative? Sitting on a plastic chair for twenty-four hours?

She gets up, and paces and paces. OK. I’ll go.

I can’t believe it. She said OK. This is by far the craziest thing I’ve ever done.