The App

Kayla: So, are you on the app a lot?

Zack: Yeah. Well, I mean, no - not a lot. But, sometimes.

Kayla: What made you swipe right on me? Zack just smiles, embarrassed to say.

Kayla: Was it my 4th picture? It’s always my 4th picture, but I don’t lead with it. That’s why I put it all the way at the end -

Zack: No, no, it was the first one - your smile. Kayla smiles, touched.

Kayla: That’s really... nice to hear.

Zack: And why did you choose me?

Kayla: I liked what you wrote. That you were “always the coolest kid in school with no friends.” It made me laugh. I think it’s sweet when a man can be self-deprecating. Zack slightly raises his hand, embarrassed.

Zack: Yup, that’s me. Zack takes a sip of his water.

Kayla: And you were cute too. Zack almost chokes on his water.

Zack: Thanks.

Kayla: So, how come you never put your age on the app?

Zack: Oh, well I um, didn’t want to be judged, you know?

Kayla: Sure, ageism is the worst. I’m 23 and my mom is already asking me if I’ve met the right guy yet. But you can’t be much older than me, right? What are you, 24? Zack shakes his head uncomfortably.

(he shakes his head)

Kayla: Higher? Lower. 22?

Kayla: 21? Zack shakes his head again and Kayla starts to get uncomfortable.

Kayla: Lower?

Zack: Look, the reason I wrote that I’m always the coolest kid in school with no friends is because... I still am, like right now, in school. I’m 17.

Kayla: Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.

Zack: And that’s why I didn’t put my age. Ageism...

Kayla: You’re 17, you’re just a kid. It’s actually illegal for me to date you. Listen, you seem like a nice kid, but I’m sorry I can’t do this.

Zack: Wait. Look, I understand, but I really do like you. I’m turning 18 in a few months and then it won’t be a problem. Can you just - let me know that I can call you in a few months? If you’re not single by then, then it’s my loss. Kayla thinks, fighting the idea. She looks at the passion in his eyes and warms up.

Kayla: I will say, I’m impressed by your determination. I’m not promising anything. Give me a call in a few months. We’ll see what happens. Kayla smiles at him and then walks out. Zack watches her leave and smiles to himself.