Dennis Clarkson - 48 - Father of College Friend

As fate would have it, the notice I received came not from one of the men I had just emailed but from an unknown contact through her Instagram.

Dennis Clarkson was the father of one of my classmates at Cornell University, Trisha, whose family just happened to live in the same town me. In his mid-forties, Dennis was a small-scale real estate investor who earned enough to give his family a good living as well as putting his daughter through college. I had shared a number of classes with Trisha during her first semester and they had gotten along just fine. Somehow my unfortunate situation must have reached Trisha’s father's ears.

“Hi Jenny,

I’m Dennis, Trisha’s from Cornell dad. Trisha was telling me about the terrible accident your parents were in and I felt terrible. She really misses you at school. If there’s anything I could do to help feel free to reach out.

I’ll make sure to keep you in my thoughts.

Kind regards Dennis.”

Responding to this letter is a risky move. Trisha and I remains a friend, and the one rule she always had is that her father is off limits. Her parents divorce is due to his lust and subsequent infidelity with Trisha's previous best friend. Trisha's entire circle is aware of her fathers intentions. While most of Trisha's friends don't mind the attention from a strong, confident, wealthy, intelligent and witty charmer like Mr. Clarkson, we all know that move is off limits as it would be a total slap in the face to Trisha.

I think about both the pro's and con's of responding, and hesitate to write. I decide to do some research on Mr. Clarkson. Firstly, I looked through my Insta over the past year or so. He likes about 2 dozen photo's, all of which were of me in fun outfits having a good time. He clearly has a preference for my swimwear, tight dresses and tiny skirts. Next, I spent $9.99 on one of those identity reveal sites. He has lived in the same house near Cornell University for 18 years, now worth $1.2 million. He is twice divorced, has one daughter (Trisha), a second condo in Manhattan that appears to mostly be rented out via a short-term apartment rental site. He has no criminal convictions, is 48 years old and grew up in Cornell, NY. Next, I made a "T-chart", listing all the possible pro's of responding V.S. the con's of responding.

The 9-2 list of possible pro's to con's win. The only con was that Trisha would be furious and vengeful if she found out. Because that is so serious, I listed it twice. That said, I'm no longer at Cornell and I haven't spoken to her since I left a few weeks ago. If she was a good friend, she would have called me, sent flowers, asked how she can help etc. Fuck it, I'm gonna respond.

The response needs to be long enough but not too long. I need to show neediness yet ability to be helped. I need to let him feel like a savior that I owe my life too. I sat there for what feels like house writing and re-writing my response. I finally finish and click send.

"Dear Dennis,

Thank you so much for thinking about me in this difficult time and reaching out. I am beyond devastated about everything that happened over the past month. First, my parents almost lost their lives. Thank god they are okay, but now we might loose the house, and have crippling debt. :(. I don't know what to do. I wish I had someone to help me through this difficult time. I am so lost regarding my next move I just want to crawl up in a ball, cry, and hope is all goes away. Please let me know how you can help, I'm willing to do anything to fix this!

Love,

Jenny"

A minute late, my phone vibrates. I look up and see a message from Mr. Clarkson.

"Good afternoon Jenny,

Glad you responded. I am actually in the city today and would be happy to discuss this in greater detail with you. I actually am available this evening. Let's meet at ______________.

Where do I meet Dennis Clarkson?

1) Dennis's Manhattan, NYC apartment

2) The Hooters restaurant near my house in Queens, NYC

3) A museum (turns out to be the Museum of Sex in NYC)

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