I grab one, set it on the counter, and go to start the oven. “I’m a simple guy. That should be a good thing.”
“True. Can you rub some of that off on Aiden? He still likes a home-cooked meal every night.”
“Well, that’s because he’s never lived on his own and had to cook that damn meal himself,” I tease. “Stop spoiling him, and then he’ll see what it’s like to have to actually cook.”
“I don’t mind cooking for him.”
I can hear the happiness in her voice, knowing how much it means to her that she can do that for him. We were lucky, growing up, that our mom could stay home with us kids while our dad worked on the ranch every day. By the time he was done, she’d have dinner on the table for us all to eat together. I know that’s the life Katie wants, and it’s exactly what she’ll have with Aiden.
Just the thought that she’s getting that out of life fills me with the same happiness.
“So, what’s going on?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I didn’t expect you to RSVP because, duh, you’re in the wedding. But we did wonder if you’d be bringing a date.”
Instantly, my mind goes to Jenelle and our conversation last night. I can’t believe we stayed up that late, just texting back and forth. I felt like I was in high school again. There was nothing sexual or thoughts of just wanting to hook up. We were actually getting to know each other, which was something I hadn’t done since I was young.
Ever since I went away to college, so much of every relationship around me has been based on sex. If you aren’t hooking up with the girl within a few days, people ask why not. It’s more normal to jump into bed than it is to actually get to know the other person.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t complaining then or now, but it has led to me still being single and not many prospects in sight. I thought this blind-dating app was a wild idea, but now I’m really seeing how it can change the dating landscape for those who are looking for more.
“Well—” I start, but my sister cuts me off before I can finish my sentence.
“OMG, did you finally hook up with that girl from your work?”
“What?” I’m so caught off guard that I don’t even know who she’s talking about. “Who?”
“What was her name, Zoe?”
“Seriously? Why would I hook up with her?”
“Because you totally have something for her. It’s obvious. She’s the only girl you’ve talked about in the past year. A few of us here at home even have a bet going—on if you’ll hook up or not. I think you will.”
I run my hand over my face in frustration. “I talk about her because she drives me crazy.”
“Exactly! That sexual tension must be unreal.”
I close my eyes. “Please. Don’t talk to me about my sex life or any tension—of which there is definitely none.”
She sighs. “Fine. Then if you aren’t talking about Zoe, who is this mystery girl you were just about to tell me about? Must be semi-serious if you’re thinking of inviting her to my wedding.”
“Actually, we just met. Well, kind of.”
“Kind of? Please don’t be so cryptic with me. Give me all the details of who has captured my big brother’s attention.”
The oven beeps, letting me know that it’s preheated, so I slide the frozen pizza in, then lean on the counter to tell her the story. “You remember Donny, right?”
“Of course.”
“Well, he and a couple of guys created this blind-dating app. I signed up just to help them out, but I’m kind of surprised that I’ve met someone through it.”
“Oh! A blind-dating app? That’s kind of cool. What does she look like?”
“That’s the thing; I have no idea. We have to talk on the app for seven days before it will allow us to text outside of the app to finally see each other in person.”
“How many days has it been then?”
“Today will be the third.”
