Page 14 of I Wish He Would

Tess finishes off the remainder of her biscuits and gravy. “Can two people really fall in love by simply asking twenty questions?”

“It works for the people on that dating show where they fall in love without ever even seeing the other person.” Kelsey shrugs.

“Am I supposed to bring a printed copy and read them off or something?” I tease, trying to lighten the situation.

“If you want to scare him away,” Mallory mutters.

I stare at my untouched plate, my appetite gone.

“I don’t think it’s about asking the questions, but the kind of conversations it leads to. When you get to know someone deeply, I don’t think falling in love with them seems like that much of a stretch. Besides, I was thinking of a more organic approach.” Shayna pushes her plate aside to lean her elbows on the table before looking at me, full of optimism and hope that I don’t want to crush. “What if you let us find a man for you to go on dates with and try out some of the questions on the list?”

I look around the table. Kelsey is nodding emphatically. Tess tilts her head and shoots me a look that says Why not? Mallory’s lips are pulled to the side, intrigued, while her eyes glitter with mirth.

“I don’t know.” I purse my lips.

“You could always go on a date with Austin and try out the questions with him instead,” Mallory offers.

I stiffen. “Someone else sounds great.”

When I meet Shayna’s gaze again, she’s beaming. “I promise this guy won’t be anything like Patrice’s picks. Once we all put our heads together, we’re bound to find someone worthy of you.”

I know my friends well enough to recognize when their minds are set on something. Now that this idea has taken root, they’re not going to let it go. Besides, it could be a good distraction from the upcoming wedding. And Austin.

I sigh, resigned. “Fine, but if things don’t work out, I’m putting a pause on dating for at least a year and focusing on myself.”

Shayna claps. “Yay, this is going to be so fun.”

“If the guy we find is nice, maybe he’ll even want to be your plus-one,” Kelsey suggests.

Mallory’s phone buzzes on the table. She picks it up and smirks. “I think he’ll need to fight Austin on that one.”

They all scramble for her phone. I don’t bother because I’m sure I have a message of my own waiting for me. I flip my phone over and click on the text notification from Austin.

AUSTIN

Why didn’t you tell me you needed someone to go to your cousin’s wedding?

ME

It’s not your problem to solve.

AUSTIN

I know, but you shouldn’t have to face your family alone.

Or your ex’s family.

ME

You barely get any time off work. I’m not going to force you to spend it all with me.

AUSTIN

It’s not forcing if I’m volunteering.

ME

I might have a different plus-one.