Plenty of Friends

I took a sip of my soda, casually surfing the internet. As I perused the latest news stories, I checked my email to see if I'd received anything interesting. Suddenly, I got jolted by a loud pinging noise. It was my tablet computer notifying me about a new message I’d received. Looking closer at the pop up, I realized it was a note from the dating app, Plenty of Friends.

You’ve received a New Message from “Ken”. Check now!

My stomach did somersaults as I eagerly clicked open the message. Let’s see who this Ken was!

Hi, Chassica! How are you? I read your profile and I am intrigued! I would love to chat with you. Here's a little bit about me…

I went on to view his profile picture and read his candid introductory message. Instantly, I was impressed. So far, so good!

• 41 years old ✅
• Attractive ✅
• Employed ✅
• Smart ✅
• Spiritual ✅
• Wants to marry and have kids one day ✅✅

Yes indeed! “He gets double marks on that last bullet,” I said to myself. More and more, the men that I'd been meeting preferred open relationships or simply weren’t ready to commit. I liked that this guy was on the same wave length as me, it seemed. I was nearing the age of 34, and I did desire to get married and have at least 1 child one day. My clock had officially begun ticking and I wasn't out to waste time.

I clicked Reply and began to type a friendly response. A few seconds later, he responded. We kept the chat going for several minutes and eventually exchanged numbers.

...

The next morning Ken called me and we talked for the first time over the phone. I loved that he was articulate and well-spoken, from what I could hear. Then, the longer we talked, the more I heard his humor come through, and eventually, I couldn’t stop laughing at his jokes. First, it started with my name.

“So, how should I pronounce your name? Is it Chassissa? Or Chassisca?? Can you help me out with that?” He asked.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“No, it’s like Jessica but with a Cha sound. CHAS-see-CAH to be exact.” I said.

Ken attempted to pronounce it again and did better than the first time but still stumbled a bit at the end. I laughed again.

“Do you have a nickname?” Ken asked gingerly.

“Yes, it’s Chazz. But you are still going to learn my 'government' name. Keep working at it. Practice a few times and you will get it.” I said jokingly.

“Cool. I certainly will. So, CHAS-see-CAH, what do you like to do? We should go out and meet soon. Do you have any great suggestions?”

“As a matter of fact, I do!” I answered, thinking about the opening of a new jazz restaurant nearby I’d been wanting to go to.

I told Ken the name of the restaurant and all the good things I’d heard about it.

“Sounds like a plan. I'm game!” Ken said excitedly.

Shortly after confirming the day and time of our “blind date”, we ended our phone conversation. Suddenly, in a matter of a few hours, my social life had spiced up drastically. After 2 months without a date, I was happy to be going out again, especially with someone I really liked. I smiled with excitement as I thought more about my new match. I couldn’t wait to meet Ken in person! He seemed like a great catch!

...

Later in the week on a Saturday afternoon, I got out of my silver Mercedes and walked towards the restaurant front door. I didn’t see anyone there yet so I proceeded to sit on the bench just outside. Then I texted Ken to let him know.

Hi Ken! I'm here! On the bench in front of the restaurant.

Bet! I see you now. Headed your way.

That’s when I looked up and saw his silhouette first. It revealed a tall, muscular frame and a very friendly, attractive face with a broad smile and beautiful white teeth. He matched his picture from the dating app to a tee. I was very pleased!

“Hello, Ms. Chassica!!! You are the picture of perfection! Beautiful! It’s so good to meet you.” Ken said charmingly, giving me a quick hug.

My heart melted. If there was anything that felt like love at first sight, I truly wondered if I was feeling it at this very moment.

“Hi Ken. Thank you! And ditto! Happy to meet you as well.” I said blushing.

We proceeded to go inside. Ken had made reservations ahead of time; so when he gave his name at the front, we were seated immediately. A waiter, then, came around to our table and asked what we wanted to drink.

I answered, “I will have a glass of Merlot, please.”

The waiter nodded and looked at Ken.

“I will have the same.”

Wow, we both loved the same type of wine! I was starting to believe that Ken and I were truly a match made in heaven!

Could this date get any better?

It did. For the remainder of the evening, Ken and I ended up talking for hours. The delicious meal, our favorite wine, and the soothing sounds of music playing softly in the background were all icing on the cake.

This first date was the beginning of Chassica and Ken's happily ever after!

...

1 year later, they married and had 2 kids.

The end.