Although I’m pretty sure it’s a joke, it does make me think. And it’s never a good thing when I think. Because I don’t just think. I overthink and then I analyze and overanalyze. Normally, I’d talk to Alisa about this, but it’s midnight in London, and her phone goes to voicemail. So I’m left to do this by myself. What if he just has a great way with words? This man I don’t know. We’ve now been talking for seven hours and I’ve found out more about him than I did about David in the first seven months of our relationship. Yet, I don’t really know him. I picture him in a certain way, but he could be way different. His voice might be squeaky or deep. His mannerisms might be maddening. Age is just a number, so whether he’s in his twenties or his thirties that wouldn’t make a difference—and I doubt he’s older than that. There’s just something about our conversation so far that makes me believe we might be relatively close in age. Could we be friends if we met face to face? Would I want us to be friends? I don’t know why I keep going back to this. As we’re texting now, I’m even trying to write down some thoughts about him. What kind of character would he be? What kind of story would I give him?

And the funniest, funniest thing happens. I’m jealous of the woman character I would pair him with. This is ridiculous, but it’s what I feel.

I look at my phone and I’m tempted to call. I’ll just wait until he says hello so I can hear his voice. Then I’ll know if his voice matches his personality. What am I? Five? Calling and hanging up? No. I’m not going to call him to hear his voice or for any other reason. It wouldn’t be appropriate, and it would most likely ruin everything. Anyway, he would’ve called me if he wanted to. Why didn’t he want to?

Now I’m in my head like I always am. Does he have a family? He’s not married, I know that—or I think I know. But maybe he was married before, maybe he has children, old parents who need care, or needs to take rides instead of texting with me. Or just do something else today. Am I imposing on his time? Maybe I should cut him loose. He might feel like he owes me something, and he clearly doesn’t. He’s done enough for me as it is. Much more than anyone—especially a complete stranger—ever did before.

I was thinking, you know you don’t have to keep me virtual company all day. If you have other things to do, you can just tell me the names of the places in advance, I say.

Are you trying to get rid of me? he texts.

I rush to answer. I don’t want him to think that’s what I want. No, no. Not at all. I’m quite enjoying your company.