With a deep sigh, I write his name and hand my submission to Lolly. She beams at me with her trademark cheeriness.
“It’ll take me just three minutes to process these, and I’ll have your partner ready to go.” She places my sheet on the growing pile, then takes one from Elena.
“Loretta, I expect to be paired with my number one this time,” Elena says with a delicate sniff. “Otherwise, Iwillbe leaving that review.”
Lolly’s smile turns brittle. “Elena, as I’ve explained before, the final dates rely on mutual pairings. If your interest doesn’tfeel the same connection, I can’t pair you. I can’t force anything. But, if you like, I can work with you separately to?—”
“No.” Elena taps her list. “I expect you to pair me.” She spins on her heel and marches toward the bathroom.
“Gee.” I lift an eyebrow at Lolly. “She seems fun.”
Lolly sighs, glancing at the list. “She’s been to thirteen of these events and is starting to get desperate. Comes on too strong, makes assumptions. She’s actually a nice person when she’s not terrified of dying alone.” Another sigh escapes her. “I firmly believe there’s someone for everyone. But some days…” She shakes her head, forcing a smile. “It’s just a matter of time, right? Maybe tonight’s the night.”
“Maybe,” I say, trying to sound optimistic. But Lolly’s lack of a wink unsettles me.
Imagine that.
I head for the bar, searching for Josh. He stands to the side, two glasses in front of him.
“Is this for me?” I ask, reaching for one.
“Yeah. It’s not your brother’s brew, but it’s not bad.”
I down the wine in one hit.
“Damn, girl.” He grins, gesturing at the bartender for another. “Bad night?”
“If your experience was even half as bad as mine, you’d be contemplating celibacy too.”
“Nah.” Josh leans comfortably into me, his hip brushing mine. “I can’t stand collars. And while black’s a good look on me, I’m not into robes either.”
I chuckle as the bartender pours me another glass. “Your mother would be happy though.”
“Priesthood or grandkids. Those are my only two options.”
We both laugh. I trace my finger along the side of the glass, surprisingly at ease with the silence between us.
The airhorn blares, and Lolly holds up a clipboard. “We have our pairings!”
She begins reading them off, sending couples on their way.
My tongue feels like it’s swelling in my mouth. My palms sweat, and my heart pounds harder with each name she calls.
Josh reaches out, intertwining his fingers with mine as Elena’s name is announced.
“Don’t sweat it. I put you down.” He gives my fingers a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be the date we tell our ki?—”
“Joshua Greenfeld,” Lolly interrupts.
“Wait. What?” Josh blinks, startled, turning to see Elena smiling triumphantly at him.
“Uh, there’s been a mistake,” he calls out, glancing between Elena and me. He turns to Lolly. “I didn’t put Elena down.”
Lolly’s smile stays in place but looks a little brittle. “Yes, you did. We never get our pairings wrong!”
“No, I?—”
“Josh,” I whisper, catching the embarrassed flush creeping across Elena’s face as her smile falters. “Just take her for a drink.”
