Page 6 of Romero and Juliette

Mustang_Ranger: Nah. Just a feeling I have.

I do feel like I know her. Maybe that’s crazy. But I’ve always been that way with people. The first time I met the guys on my team, we were one cohesive unit. Even being from different backgrounds, we meshed perfectly. I was part of several other units before where none of us worked well together. Like eating a corndog on fine china.

So yeah, I feel like I know Fleetwood.

Of course I feel like I know Buttercup too, but that is irrelevant.

FleetwdLvr05: How do you take your coffee?

Mustang_Ranger: You will judge me if I answer honestly.

FleetwdLvr05: Now I’m intrigued. Can I guess?

Mustang_Ranger: Go for it.

FleetwdLvr05: I’m guessing you’re a latte kind of guy, but you’re too embarrassed to order it out.

Mustang_Ranger: Well, you’re partially correct. I am a latte guy, more flavor than coffee, but I need that caffeine.

FleetwdLvr05: So what part did I get wrong?

Mustang_Ranger: I’m man enough to order my coffee with extra whip, extra sweet, and with sprinkles on top.

FleetwdLvr05: LOL! I love that so much.

I dated a woman once who was so put off by how I drank my coffee that she ended things after our third date.

People are weird. And stupid.

But Fleetwood gets me. There’s no judgment, only amusement. She just feels authentic in a way that most people don’t even in person.

FleetwdLvr05: I just realized I’ve told you more than some people I’ve known for years.

Mustang_Ranger: That’s the beauty of a screen. No pretending.

FleetwdLvr05: Or maybe we’re both pretending really well.

Mustang_Ranger: You pretending with me?

FleetwdLvr05: Maybe a little. Maybe I like the mystery.

Mustang_Ranger: Careful. Mystery’s addictive.

FleetwdLvr05: Guess I’ve already had a taste.

Am I pretending? No, I’ve been completely honest with her. That said, I can’t help but be a little on guard. She comes across pretty damn amazing. Close to perfect. But when I’m messaging with her, my mind conjures images of Buttercup.

That’s the problem.

I started chatting with her to forget about the pretty and way too young blonde that I seem to be infatuated with. But in some ways, it feels like Fleetwood has only made me want Buttercup more.

Which feels dishonest, somehow.

FleetwdLvr05: I bet you’re the kind of guy who hates losing.

Mustang_Ranger: Depends on the game.

FleetwdLvr05: What if the prize is bragging rights?