“What?” I ask, thinking I didn’t hear correctly.
“A date. Me, you, my boyfriend, and his hot cousin. Logan will be arriving in the United States soon.”
“Logan? You’re talking about a blind date?”
“Sort of. I’ve thought of showing you each a photo, although I’m sure you’ll think he’s a hottie.”
“And what about me? He might not think it’s a good idea to go out with me.”
“Stop with that insecurity.”
I look at her, tempted to accept. Not because of the guy himself but because I haven’t gone out for fun in so many years. In fact, I’ve never had fun as an adult, since my mom got sick soon after I turned seventeen.
“It would be a real date? Like . . . going to a bar?”
“Yes. Nothing involving sex, if that’s what you’re thinking, unless you want it, of course.”
“I just want to go out for a bit. I don’t even remember what that’s like anymore.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-three. Why?”
“Just to know if you can drink.”
“Oh, I don’t drink, but I don’t mind if you do in front of me.”
“Okay. Want to see his photo?”
“Look, it really doesn’t matter. Nothing’s going to happen.”
She ignores what I say and seems to be accessing a social media account. “I need to save your number later,” she says while continuing to search, I believe, for the guy’s profile.
“Okay. You save mine, and then you can text me, and I’ll save yours.”
“Found it!” she squeals, looking satisfied.
When she turns the phone to me, I think it takes me about three years to close my mouth.
“Wipe away the drool, Olívia.”
“Is he a model?”
“No. He’s in the military. Delicious, isn’t he?”
“I can’t deny that.”
I take the phone from her hand without asking for permission because I need to look at it up close. I swear to God, you could wash clothes on his abs. There are so many abs that I could count and recount them endlessly.
Melissa picked a photo of him on a beach, shirtless and wearing loose shorts that reveal the perfection of his body—at least the top part. The guy is blond and has almost shaved his head. His skin has a sort of natural tan.
Too bad I recently changed my erotic dream avatar. My current boss has been keeping me company every night, even last night. I have to confess that my fantasies have improved in quality because now I can hear his voice too.
Although the blond guy is gorgeous, I’m committed to my fantasies. I only live one relationship at a time.
“Logan Player,” I read on the phone’s display. “That doesn’t make me very enthusiastic.”
“It’s his nickname in the army. So, can I schedule our date?”
