Romance Me (Boxed Set) (2 page)

“Well, Gina wants to set me up with George’s friend. They have four tickets to see that new 80s band at The Oasis tonight.” She took a deep breath. “I’d really like to go.”

“You would?” I gasped. This news was huge. Rachel had spent the last six months mourning her two-year relationship with Jeremy — a guy who’d had the nerve to hook up with her hairdresser behind her back several weeks before dumping her. She’d been heartbroken and unwilling to trust guys since (can’t blame her there). If she wanted to get back in the game, that must mean she’s finally over the douche bag. Yay!

Unfortunately, I had my own plans this evening. Me, my laptop, and
lookn4luv
versus
jusUnME.
“Can’t Chester hang by himself at your apartment while you go on your double date? After all, he’s home alone right now.”

Her face scrunched up. “He’s still adjusting to the move and he’s expecting me to be home after work. He’ll be sad and lonely if I desert him during his emotional crisis. I can’t dismiss his feelings because a hot guy shows up.”

I sat up a little straighter. The plot thickened. “He’s hot, huh?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe.” She reached inside her handbag and pulled out a small photo. “Gina said it’s from a year ago, but still.”

I gazed appreciatively at the dazzling display of manhood in the beach photo. Golden hair slicked back from the surf, a smile that showed off his pearly whites, and drops of water that glistened on a tanned, muscular chest. “Wowzers.”

Her face lit up. “I know, right?”

“Hmm.” Even so, without a detailed profile, I’d be reluctant to go on a date even with this hottie. There’s no telling what kind of whacky habits the guy had or whether they shared anything in common. My mom’s second husband had been handsome, but after two years leading separate lives due to different interests, they’d called it quits.

“So?” She gave me a desperate look, then sighed. “Come on. You’re my best friend and the only one I trust to take care of my baby.”

I scoffed. “Correction, your dog.”

She tapped the cheerful red pen against her palm. “I didn’t want to bring this up ever, believe me, but remember when you made me watch that awful movie last year? Do you have any idea how long I was traumatized by that depressing boxer film? When that girl begged her trainer to end her life?”

“That was not my fault.” I pointed a finger at her. “My mom recommended it and said we’d love it.” Not.

“Nightmares, Ellen. For months.” Rachel’s eyes grew serious. “Come on. I won’t have a good time unless Chester’s having fun, too. And this is the first time I’ve actually wanted to go out with a guy since . . . you know.”

Yeah. I knew. Stupid, lame, Jeremy. I sighed. Rach needed to date and get over her love slump. No matter how much I’d been looking forward to it, scheduling dates with my online prospects could wait a day. I swiveled in my chair to face my computer, then glanced over my shoulder at her eager face. “You owe me.”

She squealed. “You’re the best! I’m gonna go tell Gina.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I said, then smiled. Finally, she was excited about a guy again. Rach deserved an evening of fun.

As I returned to my report about the exorbitant amount Mr. Watson wanted for his computer crash, I couldn’t help but remember that I was single, too. So, why had Gina asked Rach to go out with Mr. Muscles and not me?

****

Later that night, I parked in front of Rachel’s apartment in East Sacramento as my cell phone shrilled. I scanned the screen—
Mom
—then pressed the green button. “I can’t talk. Anything important going on?”

“Just calling to see who you picked for the first date, sweetheart.” Her voice held excitement. “The engineer or the entrepreneur?”

“Neither.” I shut the door of my sedan and hurried up the cement walkway toward apartment 8A. “I got stuck late at work and Rachel has a hot date, so I’m babysitting her miniature beagle.”

“Oh, is my darling Rachel finally over that Jeremy character? I had my suspicions about him ever since your cousin’s play opening. He refused to look me in the eye when he shook my hand. Add that to your list of things to watch out for, Ellen. If they act shifty, they are shifty.” She sighed. “If I’d known at your age half of what I do now . . . I never would’ve married Bob. Or, Frank, for that matter.”

As I knocked on the brown door to Rachel’s apartment, my brows furrowed. “Don’t forget my dad.”

“I never married him,” she said, quickly. “So, that doesn’t count.”

My stomach clenched even though he really shouldn’t count for much. I’d only met the man a handful of times myself. But, it’s like her opinion was fact with no regard for how I felt. Story of my life. “Can I talk to you later?”

“Well, there’s another thing I was calling about. Remember that art gallery opening Robert and I told you about last week? It’s this Friday night and they’re showcasing an up-and-coming artist. It’s supposed to be fabulous. Any interest? Maybe you can invite one of your dates?”

“That’s exactly how I want to meet a potential boyfriend for the first time.” My voice held a teasing tone. “With my nosy mom and her new husband.”

“It was worth a try.” She chuckled. “Bring Rachel, then. We’ll meet for dinner beforehand?”

Rachel’s front door opened and I pointed toward my ear to indicate I was on the phone. “Sounds good. I’ll call you tomorrow to find out where.”

I told my mom I loved her, hung up, then sighed as I turned my attention to Rach. “My mom drains me.”

She shrugged with one shoulder. “What else is new?”

“Very funny.” I leaned forward for a quick hug. “Want to go to an art showing with my mom and Robert Friday night? Some new artist.”

“Since you’re my savior, absolutely.” She gave me a squeeze, then pulled the door shut behind us. “Chester is super excited to spend time with you.”

I dropped my phone into my overflowing purse. “I’ll look forward to my Auntie of the Year trophy.”

“Definitely.” Her heels clicked across the tiled floor as she strutted into the kitchen wearing dressy black pants, an electric blue silk top, and a whimsical smile.

“You look fantastic,” I said, giving Chester a little pat as I walked past where he lay—in his doggy bed, chewing a rope toy (finally his vicious canines were sinking their teeth into something appropriate)—then followed her to the kitchen, wishing I were going on a date instead of dog sitting.

“Thanks.” She smiled, her brown eyes lighting up. “His name’s Dillon and we talked on the phone earlier. He has this really deep voice and sounds super nice.”

I slipped onto one of her bar stools and leaned against the countertop. “It’d be better to have more info on him though. That’s what I love about
Detailed Dating
. You learn what you’re getting into before you invest time and energy.”

“Only if the guys are honest in their profile. Do you know how many horror stories I’ve heard?”

“That’s why it’s only
part
of
Detailed Dating’s
process. It’s not like they recommend marrying someone off their profile alone.” I laughed.

“Still, online dating feels too clinical to me.” She fished in a drawer, then handed me an extendable leash that had a plastic handle with blue plastic bags attached. “I’m more into chemistry and a good vibe.”

My mouth twisted. “Says the girl who’s going out with some guy she’s never met because he looks good without a shirt on.”

“Touché.”

I took a deep breath, but my voice still cracked a little when I said, “Why do you think Gina set you up with Dillon and not me?”

She leaned on the counter across from me and stared into my eyes. “Does that bug you?”

I shrugged, feeling rejected. “Maybe a little . . .”

She grasped my hands. “Sweetie, you’ve been raving about
Detailed Dating
for practically a month. She probably figures that’s working for you whereas I’m a pathetic mess who needs help.”

I wanted to laugh at her attempted joke, but my eyes filled with tears instead. Maybe Gina wasn’t the reason I felt rejected.

Her hands tightened around my own. “Ellen, what’s going on?”

My shoulders rose and my throat burned. “I’m not sure. I was talking to my mom earlier and she mentioned Bob, Frank . . . and my dad.”

Her eyes grew large. “In what context?”

I blinked back tears and swiped at my nose. “Basically, she said how she screwed up with them and I shouldn’t make the same mistake. It shouldn’t bother me.” Logically, I knew this. My dad had been absent most of my life and I didn’t owe him one ounce of loyalty. “But she said that my dad didn’t count. Since she hadn’t married him, he didn’t count.”

Rachel leaned on her elbow and gave me a stern look. “Of course he counts. I’m sure it’s just her way of getting over it. Since he left her and all.”

“He left me, too. And I’m not the one who chose him. She did.” My eyes burned and the hole in my chest ached. I shook my head. “She picked someone who didn’t want kids, who wasn’t compatible with her. When I marry, it has to be to a guy who’s stable and in it for the long run. I have to know everything about him to make sure I choose someone who would never desert me. Ever.”

She blew out a breath. “If we only had a crystal ball.” Her lips tightened. “Then, I’d have seen Jeremy’s true colors and not wasted two years of my life on that slime bag.”

“Exactly,” I said, wishing we could see the future and know if it would all work out. “All I can do is take every step possible to make sure we’re compatible so it will last.”

“Even so, you’re not going to get a sealed guarantee,” Rachel said, glumly.

Knock. Knock.

We both jumped as someone rapped on her front door. Dillon, no doubt.

Turning back to me, she said, “And with that cheery thought . . . ”

“Sorry. I’m ruining your first date in six months.” I groaned, then picked up Chester’s leash off the counter and waved toward the front door. “Ignore my dark side and have fun. And don’t worry about your mutt either. I’ll keep him entertained.”

She gave me a quick hug, started toward the door, then turned back. “I can cancel if you’re upset.”

“No way. I’m fine.” I held up the leash. “Chester and I will go for a walk and get some fresh air.”

“Thanks, Ellen. We’ll find the right guy for us. Or, at least die trying.” She winked at me, then opened the front door and greeted her hot date.

Unable to resist a peek, I leaned sideways to see if he looked as good in person as he did in his beach photo. Sandy-brown hair, broad build, and that dynamic smile. Ooh, baby.

After a polite exchange between them, the front door closed, and all was quiet in the apartment. Chester trotted over to the door with his tail high, sniffed at the weather strip, then started whining.

Once I heard car doors slam outside, I clipped the leash onto Chester’s collar. He stopped whining, nudged my hand with his wet nose, and looked up at me expectantly.

“It’s just you and me tonight, chew monster.” I watched his brown ears prick up. “If you meet any pretty pups tonight, do me a favor. Don’t romance them if you’re not going to follow through. Being abandoned is no picnic.”

Arf! Arf!

As Chester wagged his tail, my lips curved up slightly. His cheerful yips seemed to tell me not to worry. My mouth thinned when I realized this was what my life had come to. Getting advice on men from a four-month-old miniature beagle who, let’s face it, hadn’t exactly been around the block.

****

After a twenty-minute walk, I arrived back at Rachel’s apartment with her pint-sized dog who’d felt the need to lift his leg at practically every tree we passed. He’d even attempted to water a parked SUV’s rear tire but I’d managed to tug him away in time.

I shut the front door, unhooked Chester’s leash from his collar, and dropped the apartment key onto the wooden entry table. Setting my purse on the arm of the couch, I searched through the mess for my phone while vowing, once again, to finally clean out my handbag. Right.

Once I located my cell, my stomach growled so I raided Rachel’s freezer. While waiting for my microwave dinner to “cook,” I propped myself onto a barstool and unlocked the keypad on my phone. I slid my finger across the screen to see if I had any
Detailed Dating
emails. Oh, got one!

To:
smrt4ever

From:
jusUnME

Ellen, I’ve enjoyed our discussions over the past few weeks and feel that you’re both witty and intelligent—an ideal combination. On my end, we’ve progressed through
Detailed Dating’s
“initial screening” process, so if you’re interested in the “face-to-face” part of
DD’s
procedure, perhaps you are free for dinner tomorrow night? You’ve mentioned your affinity for chow mein, so I thought Wok N’ Roll in Old Sac might be to your liking? Would seven-thirty work? Look forward to hearing from you. — Craig

I gazed at the humming microwave and considered his offer. Since I’d been planning on initiating the face-to-face, as well, that meant
jusUnME
and I were on the same page, just as I’d expected. I liked his take charge without being obnoxious ways, too. Guys who expect their girlfriend to plan everything? I’d pass. I prefer someone who could actually pick up the phone to make dinner reservations and, if I’m really lucky, call the babysitter to watch our two kids. I’d been planning on suggesting a coffee date (easier for a fast getaway, if needed), but he’d chosen the restaurant based on our previous exchanges and my preferences. Another point in his favor, which made up my mind. The entrepreneur would be my first face-to-face!

To:
jusUnME

From:
smrt4ever

Craig, Tomorrow night sounds fun. Thanks for giving in on our Chinese food debate. We’ll make sure not to order anything spicy for you! Looking forward to dinner and I’ll see you at seven-thirty. ☺ Ellen

After I hit SEND, the microwave went
ding
. Perfect timing.

I eased off the chair, removed a plate from the cupboard, and opened the microwave door. The smell of alfredo sauce wafted up my nose. Yum.