Outdated

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

My friend Bobby arrived just as I was on the cusp of another hiccup attack.

“What happened? You sounded so tragic on the phone,” a worried Bobby asked.

I pointed to my computer. “There, on the screen. No one’s there anymore. Everyone’s gone.”

Bobby squinted his eyes for a bit, as if that would help him figure out what I meant. He then began to laugh hysterically.

“Sweetie, no one goes into that chat room anymore. Now, it’s all about the apps. How can a guy who works with computers not know that?” He took out his phone and gave me a short demo of what he meant.

For the first time in my life, I felt old. As an IT guy by profession, I had always prided myself on knowing the latest technological innovations, but this time, I was at a loss. I knew what those apps were for, but since I was in a relationship, I never bothered with them.

Bobby saw my face and suddenly became serious.

“Okay, just breathe,” Bobby instructed.

I grabbed my tablet and placed it in front of Bobby. “I’ve tried those apps. The ones that seem to be covered with people whose lives revolve around the gym. My goodness, when did everyone get so hot?”

“Everyone’s always been hot. You were one of them, so you never noticed before. But now that we’re older, the funhouse mirrors begin to get real,” Bobby said with a sigh.

“Hot, me? I was never hot. Cute maybe, but not hot.”

“Sweetie, don’t sell yourself short. You were gorgeous, and you still are. Sure, you may have a few extra pounds and a bit less hair, but that great smile and those big, brown eyes will always win over a few hearts,” Bobby said in his most sincere voice.

“Thanks,” I replied. “I guess I just got overwhelmed with all this. It’s kind of weird. A few years after my aunt passed away, my uncle needed help getting back out there. I tried to get him set up with online dating, but he couldn’t wrap his head around it. I couldn’t understand what was so difficult, but now I get it.”

I walked over to a nightstand that had a picture of me and Tim on vacation. The smiles on our faces looked so real, like we were actually happy. I began to tear up, and put the picture back, this time face-down.

“I was with Tim for ten years, and I never imagined that it would be so hard to meet people again. I even thought about going out to a club, but when I got to the door, the music just felt so loud and all I wanted to do was come back home and curl up with a good book. I feel so outdated.”

“Why are you trying so hard? It’s only been a day. You need to give yourself some time,” Bobby advised.

I stayed silent. I really didn’t want him to know the truth, but Bobby was my best friend, so I’m pretty sure he would figure it out.

“OMG, you weren’t trying to find a young plaything of your own, were you?” Damn, he hit the nail right on the head.

“Ugh, I’m so ashamed. Yeah, it’s completely idiotic, but I just wanted to see what the appeal was beyond a great body and energetic sex.”

Bobby looked blank for a moment.

“Uh, hello, Bobby. Where did you go?”

“Sorry, love, I got caught at energetic s*x. Look, if you want to go meet someone, then we can go out now. I can even be your wingman. It will be a blast.”

I shook my head. “Nah, I’ve had enough excitement for one night. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I just need to take some time.”

“Now you’re acting like the Greg I love. How about some tea?”