Page 22 of From LA to London, With Love

“Nothing. I’m fine. I just got hot in there. It’s pretty stuffy,” I said, hoping he’d buy it.

He didn’t.

“Is it about Chris?”

I swallowed and nodded. Even though Josh was in no condition to provide any useful advice, I needed to confide in someone.

“I seriously don’t know what just happened. So, maybe I wasn’t telling you the complete truth the other day when I said I wasn’t into him. I was a bit attracted to him. But tonight, when he walked in and smiled at me, things went from mild attraction to…” I shook my head. “Is love at fifth sight a thing? Because it feels like that’s just what happened to me.”

“That’s awesome, Soph!” Josh looked inexplicably happy.

“No, it’s not! For so many reasons. Firstly, there’s no way he’d be interested in me.”

Josh raised an eyebrow but let me continue.

“Come on, Josh. He’s a famous, very good-looking, movie star. As you keep reminding me, the sexiest man alive. He dates famous singers and supermodels, not single mums who live with their parents. We’re from completely different worlds. Can you see me hanging off his arm at fancy parties and film premieres?”

“Soph, you’re a catch. You’re gorgeous, smart, and a genuinely nice person. I don’t know why you would think he wouldn’t be interested in you. If I was straight, I would bang you in a heartbeat!”

I rolled my eyes.

“And haven’t you guys seen each other almost every day this week? That’s just-started-dating-and-head-over-heels frequency, not new-platonic-friends frequency.”

Hmmm. We had been spending a lot of time together since meeting on Monday, but that was because we were both lonely and liked each other’s company as friends…wasn’t it?

“Also, I don’t want a relationship right now. Especially not with a guy. My priority is Elliot and starting the business with Mia and Rose. I don’t have time for dating. It’s one thing to be friends with him, another thing entirely to date him.”

“I still don’t understand why you’ve sworn off dating men. I know you’ve had some bad experiences, but we aren’t all assholes.” Josh looked at me petulantly.

Rationally, I knew Josh was right—not all men were shit—but the bad dating experiences made me reluctant to go down that path again. I was still scarred by them. If I caught a guy checking me out, I’d immediately think back to those messages and disastrous dates, sending a shudder down my spine.

“Those experiences definitely put me off. But it’s not only that. I usually connect better emotionally with women, and the sex is way better. I also think women are more likely to be accepting of Elliot than men. If they’re dating other women and want kids, they’re used to the idea that children can only be biologically related to one parent. Straight men are more likely to want their children to be biologically theirs. If I did ever date again, Elliot’s best interests would be my top priority.”

“Straight men often have stepchildren or are open to adopting, Soph, so I don’t think it would necessarily be a deal breaker. And you can train men to be better in bed. God knows, I’ve done it a few times!” Josh said, with a cheeky grin on his face.

“I don’t have the time for that! In any event, he’s only here for four months, so not exactly a long term dating option, or much time for sex education, for that matter. These stupid feelings are just going to make things super awkward, which sucks because I was really enjoying spending time together as friends.” I sighed.

Just then, Mia poked her head out, her usually pale face flushed pink. “What are you two doing, gossiping out here? Amir and Khanh are very keen for you to come back in to witness their…errr…performance.” She giggled.

I let out a deep breath, relieved I had an excuse to escape Josh. I regretted saying anything to him now, especially since he didn’t seem sufficiently sympathetic to my plight. We returned to the room, where Amir and Khanh were getting carried away singing Ginuwine’s “Pony”, replete with a lot of suggestive dance moves. Chris, who had been vigorously cheering them on, looked up when I entered and gave me a smile. My heart bounced.

Damn my body and its involuntary reactions.

I threw myself into singing the chorus with everyone else, hoping that these feelings would dissipate by the morning.

CHAPTER TEN

CHRIS

“HEY MAN, are you free for a chat?” I was sitting in bed in my boxers. I’d been trying to fall asleep but couldn't stop thinking about Sophie. One benefit of having friends in different time zones is that you could FaceTime them at two a.m.

“Sure. We’ve just finished dinner. It must be late at your end. Is everything okay?” His voice reverberated with worry.

“Yeah, sorry. I just got home from karaoke with Sophie and her friends.”

Mitch’s face relaxed into a smile. “Ohhhh, you met her friends? That sounds promising. How was it? And how are things going with her?”

“Her friends were great. But things with her are…complicated.” I sighed. “I really like her, and it turns out she is gay. Seriously, I have the worst luck with women.”