“You say that as if you’re missing something.”
I lean over and run a hand through my hair. “I mean, settling down with someone, or even dating someone, who gets my life would be nice, but I feel like I have to pick between what I love and what would make the most sense with a significant other.”
“Anything that triggered this?” Connie asks, sounding like the therapist she’s always been for me.
“My roommate, Clark, started dating the gal across the street. They’re engaged now. I don’t know. I guess I’m feeling a small push to settle down. But that would only make Mom and Dad happy.”
“And it wouldn’t make you happy?” Her tone slices through me, and I realize what she’s saying.
“It would, I guess.”
“I know you’re on a quest to spite our parents, but sometimes you have to give in if it’s what you need.”
I blow out a breath. “True.”
“Which email would you like to use for online dating sites? Is it the one with courtquackamoo or the regular one? I can get you set up on all of those today.”
I know she’s not bluffing there, and I panic. “No dating sites. I don’t need to worry about how many people like my picture or swipe up or whatever.”
“Maybe you just need to get out a little more.”
“I’m not going to a club or a bar, Connie. I’m officially too old for those.” They’re so loud, and after working and playing all week, the last thing I want to do is to be on my feet while I try to attract a female. Like I can give off some pheromone that lures them to me.
She’s right. I need to get out more, but where and when makes my brain tired.
“Well, I heard the best place to find more quality women is the bookstore. Maybe try there?” She pauses for a moment and says, “Or you might go to a craft store?”
“Have you lost your mind? Those things have glitter in the air. I don’t need to walk out of there looking like a vampire.”
She laughs. “Maybe if you find a project, it would be worth it.”
“I won’t do a craft, Connie. And the bookstore scares me. Those ladies think they can channel magical powers after reading all the fantasy books.”
“How about a service group? Maybe that would be the way to meet some people outside of the athletic bubble you live in and make some new friends. Bonus points if there’s a woman in therewho’s just like your oldest sister,” she says with drama in her voice on the last bit.
“We’re supposed to do some service as part of the team. That isn’t a bad idea.”
“Really? You’re going with service? I didn’t see that one coming.” She laughs and says, “Keep me updated. Any of this conversation you want to keep confidential?”
I wave my hand even though she can’t see it. “No. I’ll be fine. Actually, don’t tell anyone that I’ve even hinted at dating. I don’t need all the wannabe matchmakers coming out of the woodwork. Oh, I think I got a text I need to check. See you later, Connie.”
I hang up before she can ask for more details. I wait to park before checking the text I was and wasn’t waiting for all day.
I click on it and see a picture of Laney making a face in front of the ice arena in Florida.
And the workday begins.
So does mine, but now I’m feeling a little more peppy about it. I don’t know what it is about Laney, but she makes me smile more than most humans.
Am I excited for her to return? Possibly. But between lacrosse and working at the restaurant, I need to budget some mechanic time to work on her car. Because that’s what friends do, of course.
CHAPTER 10
LANEY
The road trip was eventful, but the guys are coming home with two losses. We’ve got the next two games of the series at home, so I’m hoping they can pull off two wins to keep their playoff run going.
Once we land at the airport, I’m ready to be out of the plane and doing something that doesn’t have me inside small spaces. Maybe I could go for a hike or a trail run tomorrow.
