Emily and Steve Part 10

"Good," I said. I felt a lump in my throat as I asked the next question, but felt I had to. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"No," Emily said, shaking her head. "No. I don't think the time is right for that now. I still have a lot of me to work on. I want to get my degree and start working as an industrial designer before I go down the path of dating again. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?"

"Yes," I said. "A girl named Danielle. She is a doctoral candidate at the university, doing a PhD on gender identity."

"So she is a t-girl," Emily asked. "...like me?" she added.

"Yes, she is," I replied.

"And are you happy?" Emily asked.

"Very." I said. It was true, I was happy.

We chatted a bit more, and then parted ways. Emily gave me her phone number, which I programmed into my phone. But then, after we parted, I went back into my phone and deleted it. Maybe someday I could be friends with Emily, but for now I think I'll let it slide.

Instead, I decided to concentrate on why I had come to the mall in the first place. I needed to go to the jewellery store.

I had an engagement ring to buy.