The weeks had flown by in the blink of an eye for Courtney. Temp jobs, low-paying gigs—anything to get by and avoid the crushing loneliness in her tiny apartment. She knew she couldn’t keep living like this, but the desperation for stability left her feeling powerless.
It was then that a coworker mentioned an online dating app, saying it could be a way to find some "company" and maybe even gain some "benefits." At first, she was reluctant to get involved, but she craved financial support... and someone—anyone. So, she decided to carefully craft a profile that hinted at her need for financial backing while expressing her desire for companionship. Initially, creating the profile and reviewing other users felt almost clinical, like she was researching potential deals. But after a few dates and tips from coworkers on how to take advantage of men, she began to normalize the process of finding someone who needed her company. Flirtatious looks, fake smiles, and a little company—she managed to get something of value from more than a few of these men. It was a farce, a way to fill her void, but she couldn't stop anymore. One day, a man sent her a message. She was preparing her usual rehearsed greeting, but... his kind yet cautious expression caught her attention, and his tired eyes... intrigued her.
She replied that very night, suggesting they meet in person at a luxurious café in the city center. As Courtney headed to the café, her stomach churned with nerves. Something felt strange about it... What was she doing? She knew well enough that this was just another charade, another guy like the rest... And yet, everything felt so unreal in that moment.
She walked into the café, and when their eyes met, Courtney offered a small flirtatious smile as she sat down at the table with him, unsure of what to say. There was a brief but awkward silence between them as they struggled to find the right words. Finally, the man spoke, asking if she would like to order something.- “Of course, handsome! What do you recommend? There are some really delicious things on the menu...” -she said with a rehearsed smile, gently placing her hand near his, just as she always did to break the ice on her dates.
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"Don't worry, handsome... Let’s just enjoy our date, okay?" -Courtney added with a rehearsed smile and a sweet tone, winking flirtatiously to make him feel at ease. She had to make this work.
A tacit understanding seemed to settle between them: this wouldn’t be an ordinary date, but rather a delicate dance of two lost souls in their own way.
