Because I loved you

Chapter 1

I brushed my short brown hair out of my eyes and watched as my daughter ran across the back yard playing with my mom's dogs. She loved this more than anything and I was hoping she would tire herself out. I was tired from working and wanted to get her in the bath and in bed soon so I could lay down as well. I checked the time on my phone and realized that it wasn't as late as I thought it was and groaned in desperation.
As I went to put my phone back in my pocket I felt it vibrate and I looked at the screen. I had gotten a notification from one of the dating apps that I had a new message. Probably another slimy jerk who wanted to know if he could have a pair of my panties or if he could get some feet pictures. I opened the app and looked at the message.
Hi. I saw your profile and it caught my eye. My name is Gabe. I would like to get to know you better.
Well maybe this one wasn't a creep. Or was better at hiding it than most. I slunk over to his profile to check him out before I responded back. No kids, no drugs, social drinking. He was looking for someone to get to know and wasn't scared of commitment. At least that is what his profile said you never could really tell until you got to know someone better. I clicked on his pictures and saw that he was covered in tattoos and loved dogs. He looked cute and even had a few pictures of him dressed up. Maybe my luck in the love department was finally looking up.
Hi. My name is Angela. I would be up for getting to now you better as well.
I sent the message and put my phone back in my pocket. "Grace, let's go take a bath and get ready for bed."
Grace grumbled as she went in the house. My mom was sitting in the kitchen and watching television. "Grandma, I don't wanna take a bath."
"Well you smell like you need one." My mom started laughing at the sour face that Grace made after she said that. She took her bath and then brushed her teeth. I felt my phone vibrate again and I pulled it out of my pocket. It was another message. I was honestly surprised that he messaged me back.
You wanna play 20 questions?
I smiled as I saw that question. It was one of my favorite ways to get to know people. I responded Sure. You start.

After I got Grace down for the night I walked back into the kitchen with my mom. Being a single mom wasn't easy but my mom was letting me stay with her. I was working on paying off my car and then I was saving money to move out on my own. I was thankful that she cared enough to let me stay with her.
"Finally got her down? You wanna step out and smoke?" My mom grabbed her pack of cigarettes and lighter.
"Yes, I would love that. Let me grab my smokes." I went into the other room and grabbed them out of my purse. I felt my phone vibrate again.
What do you do for a living?
I am a legal drug dealer. The law ain't got nothing on me. I work in a nursing home passing out medication. What about you?
I chuckle at my response. I loved the fact that I could tease people and it was still a true thing. I walked out onto the front porch. My mom was already sitting there smoking her cigarette. I lit up and inhaled that first hit of nicotine. I know it isn't healthy but damn does it taste good. I felt my phone go off in my pocket.
That is hilarious. You have a good sense of humor. I work in sales on the phone. How old are you?

I smile as I read his response and feel my moms eyes on me. I don't talk to a lot of people on the phone and usually only talk to family. "That's a big smile on your face. A friend?"
"Yeah. A cute guy messaged me on one of my dating apps. I am just talking to him and he said he I have a good sense of humor. Nothing going on yet."
I put out my cigarette, gave my mom a kiss on the forehead and went to bed. I couldn't help but smile a little as I thought about getting to know someone. I had been single for awhile and was wanting to try dating again.
I decided to stop in the bathroom to change into my pjs before bed. I looked in the mirror at my brown hair, brown eyes and curves. I would never be called beautiful or gorgeous. But I had a certain girl next door allure. Or naughty librarian. Or that's what my exes said. I just felt like I was plain, boring and that my hair never listened to me. When I wanted it to be straight it would be curly and frizzy. When I wanted curls it would be super frizzy and would get bigger with the humidity. It took forever to straighten my hair since it would start getting a little frizzy even when straight. I realized I never messaged Gabe back.
23. You?
I put my phone on the charger and laid down tired and ready to go to bed. I smiled as I fell asleep and saw his face in my mind. Imaging him relaxing in his bed smiling at my responses.

The song for this chapter is what ifs by Kane Brown.