Jess Thoughts

I haven’t written in a few days. I went back to Wisconsin for the weekend. Jaime arranged everything since he couldn’t come see me—hotel, rental car, all of it. It was a complete surprise, and honestly, such a thoughtful one.

It turned into an amazing weekend.

We spent time in downtown Antioch, wandering through antique stores and little shops that felt like they held pieces of other people’s lives. I loved it. At one point he bought me an old glass lamp—simple, but beautiful. It felt like something with history, something that would stay.

We also walked around Fox Lake. It was calm and a little cold, but peaceful. The kind of place where everything slows down and you can just exist without noise.

That first evening we had dinner at a small Italian place—Tuscany Bistro. It was romantic without trying too hard. Just warm, quiet, and comfortable. The next day he cooked for me, which somehow meant even more.

Throughout the entire weekend, he treated me better than anyone ever has. Not in a showy way, not in a way that felt performative. It was different. He listened—really listened. Not just nodding or agreeing, but actually hearing me, seeing past what people assume about me and looking into who I really am.

I didn’t feel judged. I didn’t feel like I had to prove anything.

When I left on Monday morning, I felt something I didn’t expect. Empty… but at the same time full of joy. Like something had been opened that I don’t want to close again.

For the first time, I feel like I’ve met someone I can truly connect with—on more than just one level, but on many.

And that feels rare.