“Yes,” I say at the same time. “I would love nothing more than to hear why Kelsey and I are suited for each other.” I cross my ankle over my knee as I scoot back my chair and prepare myself for what I can only imagine will be an absolutely enlightening experience for me and a horrific experience for Kelsey.
From his pocket, Helix pulls out a piece of paper and clears his throat. “You were one of our highest matches in the system with a ninety-seven percent probable success rate.”
HA!
Steam flies out of Kelsey’s ears as my grin just keeps growing wider and wider.
“RosesAreRed and ManWearsPants.” Helix turns to me. “Great name, by the way.”
I nod at him. “Thank you.”
“Oh my God,” Kelsey groans. “There’s absolutely no imagination to that name.”
“As if RosesAreRed is a poetic masterpiece,” I reply. “Might as well have called yourself PointsOutTheObvious.”
Kelsey juts her hand at me and looks at Helix. “See what I’m talking about? Insufferable.”
Looking slightly weary, Helix takes a step back and continues reading. “RosesAreRed and ManWearsPants are both business owners within the Los Angeles area.”
“Whoa, that’s a surprise to no one.” Kelsey folds her arms over her chest and, honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this upset. One of the things I’ve always found interesting about Kelsey is her ability to stay composed, even when under an immense amount of pressure. She never shows emotion, but tonight, I’m experiencing a new side of her. I kind of like it.
“From reviewing their backgrounds, we’ve established likeness in parent abandonment.”
Kelsey falls silent.
“The desire to achieve, and a direct match in fears such as failure, not being loved, and being alone.”
Her eyes flash to mine as I quickly look away. Okay, what the fuck is that shit? Sure, we filled out a questionnaire, but what kind of invasive background check was done to figure that out?
“It also determined that where RosesAreRed is very structured and amorous in thought, ManWearsPants can be pessimistic with an apathetic attitude, making these two puzzle pieces fit closely together, creating a continuous balance for a healthy relationship.” Helix stuffs his paper back in his pocket and then holds up a pen and paper. “Now, what can I get you two for dinner?”
ChapterThree
KELSEY
Well, Helix knows how to shut two people uprealquick.
After we both put in an order for the meatloaf and mashed potatoes—I’m ignoring the fact that we ordered the same thing, thank you very much—Helix took off down the stairs, but not before telling us that the kitchen is short-staffed so the meal might take a bit longer to come out.
Just... great.Wonder if that’s intentional so “dates” have to stay longer.
An instrumental cover ofBad Guyplays overhead as JP and I look everywhere but at each other.
Helix brought in the truth bomb and completely obliterated the evening.
Even the nonstop annoyance from JP has shut down as he twirls his water glass on the table.
The silence is deafening.
Uncomfortable.
And even though I can’t stand sitting across from him at the moment, I can’t handle the silence. It’s more painful than not talking.
“So... do you often eat meatloaf?” I ask, unsure of what else to say.
When he looks up, his brow lifts in this Regé-Jean Page sort of way, like a fishhook grabbed it, tugged it up, and left it there. And does it take me straight back to a scene inBridgertonthat had me melting into my couch? Of course, but does it ease the protective ice shield that has formed around me because of this unfortunate evening? Not even a little.
“Are you attempting conversation with me?”
