Episode 1: the boy from the opposite line
I had just wrapped up a Hinge date over tapas and drinks at Bar Topa from Palings Lane. My 'date' had shown me his share and cryptocurrency portfolio and 20 mins later I had left him with a bottle of lager and his 'net-worth' for the train station at 7pm. Nestling myself on a train from Wynyard with my book in tow, a stranger settled next to me and flashed out a novel. He pointed at our book covers, "Same title. Same author. What are the odds?" I wanted to tell him he was mistaken. Nothing about our books were the same. I was about to point out his error when he raised his hand towards mine for a handshake. "I digress. Our books are not the same. I just wanted to find an excuse to talk to you" he murmured as he rubbed his palms over his black trousers when his offer for a handshake went unanswered a little too late. I was about to respond when I saw him about to leave. Instantly, my hand gripped his forearm encased in a black lamé shirt sleeve and replied "I'm happy to do a book swap." Leaning down to sit, I saw a glimmer of his silver necklace over his black turtleneck and the shimmer of his lamé shirt. It dazzled me. He had yet to dismiss my hand from his sleeve and I felt he wouldn't. Beaming, he replied "I will gladly read Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' in exchange for your review of Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. You can tell me why you like Ana’s novels.” "What station is yours? I'd hate to over-talk." "Green Square, opposing lines. I saw you at Wynyard and thought I'd take a gambit. If it failed I'd change trains" he shrugged as he ruffled his tanned hand through his short black afro curls. "I actually don't mind staying on this train until you leave. I want to hear you talk about your book." NB: My hand hadn't left his forearm even after two return train trips to the city and back.