Ninety-Six

It was only after the Jasmine and her date had left the restaurant that Alex remembered about his attempt to reach Kami. That was how it was in the food service industry. Sometimes you got so busy that all things but the task in front of you disappear, even things he would be excited about, like trying to get the picture to Kami, would take a back seat to refilling water, checking on orders, covering tables for servers on break… it went on and on. He was out back of the restaurant, enjoying the cool night air in the alley, when he finally pulled out his phone. Ninety-six messages.

“What the hell?” He muttered as he entered his password and opened his messaging app.

Every single message was in response to the picture he’d texted to the Pride committee. The first two were from Chad and Ian, two of the older committee members. Neither had Kami’s contact info. Then there was Danny, who had said he would pass the picture to Kami since they were friends.

Then there the other ninety-three. All from one sender. Bianca.

Bianca hadn’t been on the committee long. They, their preferred pronoun, were a gender neutral young person, born female, but about to start their journey to something else. Alex had heard some of the older members call Bianca butch, but he was pretty sure that they wouldn’t appreciate hearing that sort of thing.

He had included Bianca on the text since it was Jasmine herself that had brought the young person to the committee. They had met at Jasmine’s job, which had something to do with books. Book store? No, librarian. That was it. Bianca had needed a friend, and something to work on. The Pride committee was perfect encouraging and welcoming environment for someone like them, just discovering who they were.

WHO IS THAT?!

Obviously they had meant the youg man, not Jasmine.

Alex, don’t mess around. Who is that? I need to know.

Is that at your work?

What restaurant do you work at?

Alex, come on! Don’t be a jerk!

I need to know

You’ve got to help me Alex. That guy is so, I don’t know, hot? Hot! He’s so hot!

Hook me up! Why aren’t you answering!

I’ll text Jasmine. She needs to share. I need a piece of him.

She’s not answering either! Help me out Alex!

Shit shit shit. What if he’s only into women like Jasmine? How am I supposed to compete with that?!

I’m calling my sister. She’s going to help me out with my look. In the meantime, TEXT ME BACK!!!

It went on like that for quite some time. They were ****. Alex chuckled. Of course. Why hadn’t he thought of that! This guy would be exactly what Bianca would need! What a good match! Sadly he and Jasmine had already left, but still, she could find him through Jasmine, and Alex, once again, had made another perfect match.

Glancing at his watch, Alex realized how much time he had spent reading texts. He had to get back. Knowing how much torment young Bianca was in, he sent a message.

Sorry - work was busy. He’s already left, but Jasmine will know how to find him.

There, that should put her mind at ease. Returning to the bustle of Mario’s, he returned his phone to his pocket. He’s have to keep that picture from tonight. Alex loved playing matchmaker, so he was sure that picture would come in handy.