Page 52 of The Bluffing Game

“An audition?” She wrinkles her nose. “For what?”

“For you being my full-time babysitter.”

“I’m not going to quit working at the restaurant to look after Toby.”

“I’m teasing. So, you and the girls are meeting up later to go over your dating profiles?”

“Yeah. It’s going to be really fun. I think we’re all excited. We’re all ready to meet a good guy.”

“So, what’s your username? What did you decide on?”

“You’re just going to laugh at me,” she says.

“Try me. I’m really curious.”

I don’t tell her the real reason I want to know: I want to look up her dating profile. I’m curious what she’ll say about herself. I’m curious whether she’ll post sexy photos, be more modest, or play shy or coy. I know it’s not any of my business, but I want to know. And I’m almost positive that if I ask to see her profile, she won’t let me. If she’s even made it yet.

“So, it’s going to sound boring, but I figured it was the best way to go.”

“What’s the username?”

“NewAndPretty.”

“NewAndPretty?” I ignore the stirring in my gut.

“What? You think it’s boring?”

“No. I mean, you are new, I guess, on the app and in town, and you’re pretty, though I would have said NewAndBeautiful.”

“Very funny.”

“What? I’m telling the truth.” My tone is deep, and my voice sounds gravelly.

Maybe because, as I stare at her with her beautiful hazel eyes widening and her pink lips parting, I want to tell her she’s so much more than just new and pretty, but I know how that would sound, and I’m not trying to make her think that I’m some sort of psychopath because I really am not.

There’s an awkward silence between us.

“So, NewAndPretty it is,” I say. “It’s not a bad name, and at least you’re not going to get those who are just looking for sex. I mean, you might still get them depending on the photos you use, but not because of your username.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I think those sorts of guys are everywhere anyway, aren’t they?” She shrugs. “There’s nothing I can do about that.”

“True. But maybe when you get ready to go on dates, send me their information so I can vet them for you and …”

“No way.” She shakes her head adamantly. “Are you out of your mind?”

“I think that’s a reasonable offer.”

“I’m not sending you potential dates’ information so you can check them out for me. That’s weird.”

“I’m just saying that when you’re a beautiful lady, and you’re on a dating app, it’s quite risky, and you may or may not end up on dates with psychopaths.”

“Are you going to do that for Lucia? Are you going to do that for Izzy? Are you going to do that for Rosie, or is it just me? Am I so very beautiful that you feel like I’m the only person who needs this vetting?”

I press my lips together because she’s caught me. Obviously, I wouldn’t even think about asking Lucia to check out her dating profile. She’d laugh in my face, and I know that. Sage knows that as well.

“Fine. I’m just saying, if you need any help or guidance vetting any of these men, I’m here. And of course, the offer extends to my sister, Izzy, and Rosie. I was just going to say you could tell them when you meet up with them later.”

“Uh-huh,” she says. “Sure.” She laughs.