Yes

Your computer screen dully glowed as you sat thinking of what to write, with Julie's small profile photo emptily staring back at you. Mustering up all the charisma that remained despite your man-flu, you set about typing.

"Hey... I saw your message. Sounds interesting, can you tell me more?"

Julie's face instantly popped up on your screen, with a slew of messages.

"Hey cutie. Sure thing."

"Actually, would you like to go grab some food now, and we can talk about it? I can pick you up and treat you to some lunch. Let me know."

"I'm about two miles from you, so I can be there in a few minutes."

Mulling over your options, something in you had decided to go for it. Clacking away at your keyboard, you sent a few messages of your own.

"Sounds great, Julie. Looking forward to it :)"

"Anything I need for tonight, then?"

You set your computer aside and began to sort through the mountain of laundry that sat at the foot of your bed, looking for something to wear. Lisa's words about your messy habits looped in your head as you picked out a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt; it was casual enough, but you could supplement it with a jacket if needed.

*Ding!*

You checked your computer again, and saw that Julie had responded.

"Can't wait, Doug. In terms of stuff for tonight, think of it like a sleepover. Bring anything you might need for tomorrow morning, but otherwise I have plenty of stuff at my house. I'll be there in a second, sweetheart. Can I have your number to let you know when I'm here?"

"Sure, Julie. 570-914-1048."

You re-read the message and cocked your head. Sleepover? What kind of 'special event' was this? Still wanting to follow through, you picked up your phone and messaged your mom.

"Hey, Greg invited me to spend the night at his house tonight... can I go? I'm feeling a bit better, plus Dianne is a doctor so she can help if I start to feel sick."

You felt a bit guilty for lying to Lisa like that, but it was certainly better than the alternative of, 'Hey mom, I met a woman online and she's probably going to try and stuff my guts later, bye!'

Lisa instantly responded.

"I don't feel entirely happy with it, but if that's what you want, hun. Text me if you need me to come get you. I'm slammed with work so it would have to be later in the night."

Breathing a sigh of relief, you went to the bathroom, splashed some water on your face, and went downstairs, waiting for Julie to arrive.