Page 44 of The Mr. Right Checklist

Clementine and I are going to bed early.

That’s one lucky cat.

Destiny:

I’m sure I’ll see you in my dreams.

Destiny:

Fuck. How did we graduate from friends to friends who torture each other but must keep their lips to themselves?

Destiny:

Sweet dreams, Ryry!

I scoff.

And women think men are complicated?

Chapter Thirteen

DESTINY

“I had high hopes for this site, but I don’t know, Fletch.” I plant my hands on my hips, taking in the view of sprawling hills and dusty valleys from a rocky overlook at the end of a trail where Arjun and Maura like to hike. It’s almost six o’clock, and the sun hovers low in the sky, perfect for a coming sunset. I take a few pictures of the view to look over later and maybe post on social media, but something is missing. This is the fourth site we’ve checked out today. We looked at a park two towns over, at another trail Arjun and Maura frequent, and at the outdoor café where they had their first date, which is about an hour from Harmony Pointe. But like this overlook, each spot has left me feeling flat.

“The view is beautiful,” he says matter-of-factly.

Fletch has been acting flat, too. Maybe that’s impacting how I’m seeing things. He’s guarded again. Keeping his distance. It’s not like he’s being mean or even curt. He’s not even back to being Grumpy Gus. He’s giving me just enough friendliness that anyone else might not notice the difference. But I feel it in the lack of friendly touches and knowing jokes, and I don’t understand it. It’s like he’s an imposter, and he’s getting it all wrong. The few times I tried to ask if something was wrong, he brushed me off. I thought we cleared the air last night, but he must have changed his mind about me. I know I’m not a beauty queen, but I’m cute, and sure, I’m a handful. But I thought he liked who I am. After our front-porch make-out session, I want him more than ever. I was all revved up to throw caution to the wind and take the plunge into a casual tryst with him. But now there’s awkwardness and tension between us that wasn’t there before, and I don’t know what to do about it.

Trying to bury that frustration for the hundredth time since he picked me up, I pull up my big-girl panties and hold my head up high. “It is pretty, but it doesn’t scream Paris to me.”

“Because we’re in New York.”

Flat, flat, flat. I try to lighten the air. “Do you think I don’t know that, naysayer?”

The edges of his lips twitch like he’s stopping himself from smiling.

“That’s why Arjun hired me to bring the magic,” I remind him too sharply, but I can’t help it. “And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I just have to find the right location. I want it to be so romantic and breathtaking that even the air Maura breathes feels infused with love. I thought doing it outside would be perfect. In my head, I see a sunset proposal, with a table for two, a violinist, decorations that make it look like a Parisian café, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower draped in greenery and flowers and lights.” I sigh. “I can see it all so clearly. But Arjun seems like a private person. The park and the café are too public, and I didn’t realize how long the hikes were. By the time Maura got here, she’d be dusty and dirty. That type of romance has its place, but not for a grand Pah-ree proposal.”

Fletch is watching me like he’s trying to figure me out.

Today is not the day for that. “Do you think you can build a tower like that for me?”

“No. I’d definitely screw it up. But I know someone who can.”

His guarded tone is driving me nuts. I want my friendlier friend back. “You do? Who?”

“My friend Talia’s sister Piper. She owns a contracting company, and she does excellent work.”

“Do you think she’d be interested in doing it?”

“I can ask. I know she likes unique jobs.”

“That would be great. If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

“I’ll take care of it.” He pulls out his phone, thumbing out a text.

“Thanks.” As we head down the trail, he walks behind me, and I try to work out my thoughts. “Now I just need to figure out a better location. I want something with a great view, but I don’t think I can pull off Paris with Upstate New York landscape. They should be looking out at the lights of a city, but it still needs to be someplace private. I wish I knew of a restaurant with a great view and rooftop dining. I wonder if Arjun would mind going into the city. But that’s not private.”