I’ve Got It
by Paula Gillison Akinwole

This assignment was a challenge to write using an Unreliable Narrator. Simply put, the view point of the story effects how the outcome of the story. The below story has been edited from the original submission 😜

“Order anything you like, I’ve got it.”

Kacey looked up to meet Tommy’s eyes as he gave the command. He flashed a quick smile before turning back to the menu. She couldn’t help but blush at the way his eyes sparkled and his dimple flexed when he looked at her. They hadn’t known each other long but it was obvious to her that he was attempting to conceal the spark brewing between them. This was their first date but they’d been emailing back and forth for weeks. A friend of hers introduced them. 

Hey Kacey, this is Thomas Larken from Emory that I was discussing with you last week. I think he would be perfect for you. Hope it works out, Love Morgan. 

And now here they were. She would have to send her friend a bouquet of flowers as a thank you because Tommy was everything Kacey could want in a man. He was tall, attractive, educated, and mysterious. She was happy to see he had arrived before her, being 15 minutes late on purpose just to make an entrance. He asked her if he had gotten the time wrong and she lied that she stopped to drop food off at a shelter. He was impressed.

The waitress arrived to take their order just a few moments later. Kacey’s face soured at seeing the young blonde with full hips smiling a little too friendly at Tommy.. She was gorgeous and her gigantic breast seemed to protrude into their conversation. They had barely gotten past initial introductions and how the week had been before Kacey had to consider the competition of a younger more beautiful woman possibly stealing Tommy’s attention. This is why she’d prefer night dates in dark rooms or low light restaurants. When Tommy suggested breakfast, Kacey attempted to push back and offer something after 5PM but he declined stating that day time was preferred for the initial meeting.

“The avocado toast with eggs please,” Kacey forced a smile on her face as not to let her shaken confidence seep through. “And he’ll have… the same?”

“Actually, just a coffee for me,” Tommy interjected. “I actually ate already.”

Once the waitress was gone, Kacey joked that now she could see Tommy’s face, referencing the boobs that had blocked her view . He didn’t seem to get it. He scrambled around on his phone a few moments more before apologizing and making eye contact again.

“Sorry about that, where were we?”

“You were telling me about your job,” Kacey laughed and allowed herself to blush, cutely tucking her hair behind her ear and pursing her lips. She hoped he noticed how she didn’t mind his rudeness.

“The job, right…”

Kacey paid little attention to anything Tommy said as he rambled on about where he worked, what benefits he got, and why the job was so great. She just stared at his lips. She imagined what it would be like to kiss him. She wondered if he’d try that today or wait until the next date. They had been talking back and forth online for so long, she felt it wouldn’t be uncomfortable if they skipped some of the dating etiquette and got right to what they both wanted. She’d resolved to being welcoming to the kiss if he offered. He had mentioned it pretty directly in his first email the type of woman he went for and she has responded that they sounded perfect for each other. 

It’s nice to meet you Kacey. I’ll get right to it. I’m looking for someone who is creative and passionate but also honest and determined. Additionally, It’s important to be on time. For this relationship to be successful, I need someone who can be by my side and that I can trust indubitably. 

“So what do you think?” Tommy asked, having leaned forward and put both hands on the table. Kacey noticed the curiosity in his question and wanted to match his energy.

“I think…. you’ve spilled a little something on your tie.” Kacey grabbed a napkin, licked it a few times, leaned forward and dabbed at the coffee. 

“Uh thanks,” Tommy grabbed the napkin from Kacey and continued whipping himself clean. “So what do you think? Is this something you’d be interested in?”

“I think it sounds wonderful. I love that you love what you do.” Kacey decided that she wouldn’t share too much about herself just yet. She knew that men liked it when they could talk about themselves more. She’d wait until the next time to share more.

A few seconds later, Tommy looked at his phone and said he needed to go. He threw a few fifty dollar bill on the table and left.  

Over the next few days, Kacey got anxious waiting for Tommy to contact her. He hadn’t asked for her number directly but she assumed he could get it from her friend if she wanted. She decided to email him first instead. 

Hey Tommy, it’s me, Kacey! I had a really great time. Thanks for breakfast. Hope to hear from you soon. 

– Kacey.

Then another.

Tommy! Kacey Here. There’s this amazing brunch spot on 5th I thought we could try next. Just let me know if you want to do a part two! 

-Kac!

And then another.

Tommy, guess you’ve been busy. Don’t ghost a girl, okay. Let me know if I’m still what you’re looking for. I definitely think you’re what I need!

– Love Kacey!

A few days later, Kacey finally got a response. She couldn’t help but notice her friend Morgan was CC’d on the email and an address labeled Emory Legal.

Kacey,
We’ve gotten your messages and appreciate your persistence. However, we’ve decided to go with a different candidate. Best of luck in your continued search. 

– Thomas, CTO of Emory Incorporated. 

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 If you’ve enjoyed this story, don’t forget to check out the others in the Creative 101 series!