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four
scarlett
“This is a bad idea, isn’t it,” I direct to Geralt as he purrs and rubs his head on my leg while I’m bent over the sink swiping on my lipstick.
“What if it’s only young people there or even worse a bunch of older men looking for someone to take over their trust funds when they croak.”
I pause.Is that the worst idea?
If there are no strings attached, I could be persuaded. I’m already used to being on my own and if I could do that, be financially set for life, and only have to be arm candy to events, I’d be okay. Sagging my shoulders, I roll my eyes at my reflection.I’m deranged.
Geralt meows and I lean down to scrub behind his ears the way he loves it. “I’m sounding very desperate, aren’t I? It’s just speed-dating. I’ll be fine and back here to snuggle with you in a few hours, tops. Alone, I promise.” He chirps in response and trots out of the bathroom to jump on my bed.
I straighten the hem of my blue cotton sundress and slide on a gold bangle. Fingering the scrolling pattern etched into it, I’m pulled back to that conversation with my mother. What little confidence she has in me to decide how I want to live my life. While I didn’t choose this—to be a mom before I wanted to—I don’t resent Theo, nor is he a burden. He lifts me up rather than drags me down and even if I could invent a time machine, I wouldn’t—I’m right where I’m supposed to be. She’s the one missing out. Her grief over losing my father leaves her trying to control my future.
As a young girl, I mapped out when I’d get married, how many babies I’d have, and what career I’d have using the MASH method with my friends. Mansions were preferable over an apartment, but if I was lucky to land on Justin Timberlake for a husband, five curly-haired blonde babies, an alligator for a pet and a career as a librarian, I’d take that shack. Games aside, the point of life is the unpredictability it brings—to remind us we’re not in charge. And trying to forecast everything leads to disappointment.
Preston was the plan, but Theo was the prize I got in the end. Greyson is the… forever best friend?
Instead of moping around home complaining to my cat about being lonely, I’m going to go to this event and make the best of it. What’s life without a little adventure?
One last check of my lipstick and spritz of perfume on my wrists and I’m out the door before I change my mind.
* * *
My shoulders stiffenas I pull intothecrowded lot and my slick hands slide off the steering wheel as I park.I hated lying to Theo and Greyson about where I was going tonight, but for all the bravado I mustered earlier about adventure and living life, it’s fizzled out, and I don’t want them to know.Not because they’d make fun of me, but the air of desperation around this whole thing reeks and I’m in the middle of it.No one said dating as a single mom would be easy, but this is excruciating, and I haven’t even stepped a foot inside.
Having a work situation was the only plausible excuse I could come up with on the fly.I stare at the door handle and almost chicken out, but Savy texts me to remind me it starts at seven and my detrimental trait of people-pleasing flares in response.
The coffee house bell rings as I enter, the place pulsing with people milling about. I go unnoticed, much to my relief, as I fight my way to the countertop.The only consolation I surmise as I browse the menu is enjoying a cup of espresso with a splash of caramel creamer, a dash of cinnamon,and copious amounts of sugar as I gave up counting calories years ago.
After placing my order, I snag a seat and flirt my gaze around, not seeing anyone I recognize even though one of our equestrian therapy centers is based here and I visit it occasionally when Hattie requires it.
This Java Drip is quite large for a coffeehouse, modern with its shiny chrome appliances, red brick walls, exposed rafter ceilings, and the collection of tan and brown leather furniture. The cafés in Engelmann and Willow Creek are the same design and decor but on a smaller scale. During the week, when it’s quieter, I’m lulled by their charm and energized by the orange bread as I frequent one after Theo’s practices. Never too late for caffeine when you’re a mom. Now to convince the manager to open one where I work so I don’t waste gas driving all over Montana for their delicious coffee.
Sweat sticks to my bare legs, thus gluing me to the plastic chair, and I curse my decision to wear a dress.I probably wasted a solid twenty minutes shaving for no reason.Not that I expect to walk out of here with a date, but I suppose I wanted to look my best on the off chance I do.
The event begins after I’ve checked in and it’s round after round of nice men.Which is great—nice men are awesome.But.There’s always a but. None of them left me wanting more time.The second to last guy is about to show up and I’m this close to ghosting him.It’s three minutes. Whoever he is, would get over it.Geralt has provided me with better conversation than most, but I applaud their effort.
My attention is on my phone to let Savy know this was her worst idea yet, when the man hunkers down in front of me jostling the table.
Sheesh, dude.
But then sky-blue eyes meet mine and widen, black lashes hug his brows, and my mouth opens on a squeak.
“Greyson?”Oh my God, what is he doing here?I’m just going to wilt onto the floor and let the night barista sweep me away.
Confusion mars his handsome face. “What are you doing here?Is this a new work thing?”
I shake my head, chagrin lacing my smile.“No. I got coerced.”
A beat later and we say in unison, “Savy.”
We laugh and the husky sound from his lips does things to my insides that it never has in the past.He looks good too. He has a light gray button-up shirt stretched across his broad chest with the sleeves rolled up, his corded and veiny forearms proudly on display.I gulp.
When did he get so buff?
“I’m going to put her on stable mucking duty for this,” he mutters before a smirk plays on his face.He sweeps his dark chestnut-colored hair off his forehead as the wash of woodsy, clean male scent wafting from the movement momentarily stuns me.
