Maya smiled for the first time in weeks. "Actually, I wanted to talk about why nihilism is just a lazy person's version of freedom."
The rain was doing that cinematic, heavy-drop thing against the windows of "The Low Tide," a bar that smelled mostly of spilled cider and expensive desperation. Maya adjusted her watch. It was 8:02 PM. tonights boyfriend
"I’m Julian," he said. "I believe we’re here to discuss why the ending of The Great Gatsby is fundamentally misunderstood?" Maya smiled for the first time in weeks
Julian stood up, smoothing his coat. The "Intellectual Grump" mask slipped for a fraction of a second, replaced by something softer—tired, maybe. "Good debate, Maya," he said. "Same time next Tuesday?" she asked, half-joking. It was 8:02 PM
He paused at the door, the rain blurring his silhouette. "Next Tuesday, I’m scheduled to be a 'Supportive Older Brother' for a wedding. But I might have an opening for a 'Best Friend' on Wednesday."
He disappeared into the night. Maya finished her drink, realizing that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to talk to someone who’s pretending to be someone else.