The rolling timbre of Ro’s laugh is like a lazy Sunday morning. “Say no more. She damn near had me introducing her to every skeleton in my closet too.”
“She’s got a gift,” I tell him, attempting a not-so-subtle peek at his paper. “And embarrassing me is her lifeblood. So whyever the guys do it, I promise that’s a major part ofhermotivation.”
“I don’t think it’s embarrassing,” he says easily. Like maybe he means it. “I think it’s dope. Not too many people would do something like this. I’m impressed, E.”
“Can we negotiate my nickname before you commit to calling meEmpty?”
“Only if you show me yours. The questionnaire you filled out.”
It doesn’t matter that I haven’t yet filled mine out. My answer will always be the same: “Absolutely not.”
“Aw, come on. I thought we were a team!”
“For musical trivia? Sure. For baring the inner workings of my cold black heart? No.”
“Fair enough,” he says, laughing. “But you don’t get to see mine either.”
I’m watching him tuck it under the cash drawer so intently that I jump a little when he slams the register shut. “Not until you’re ready to swap.”
“Well, your secrets are safe then,” I say. “Because I’m not swapping.”
That’s what my mouth says, but my eyes are still zeroed in on Ro’s hiding spot. When I look back to him, Ro’s eyes are even brighter than usual, and when the corners of his lips quirk, I know it’s not just ’cause he’s caught me—he’s fucking with me.
9
7:26pm
Ro:You’re really not gonna give me anything?
It’s been a little overtwo weeks since I left Ro with his questionnaire at the shop. Two weeks since Zola gave her lukewarm approval of my second attempt at my own questionnaire and scheduled dates with three potential matches. And two weeks since Ro has let me know a moment of peace.
Ro:Tell me something small. Ideal physical type.
Ro:I could probably guess that if I tried.
And now that I’m officially getting ready for date number one, Ro’s all but foaming at the mouth for intel.
Me:I’d be so mad if he showed somebody my answers.
Ro:But you know he already has, right?
Oh great. A new fear to fixate on.
Ro:Come on, do it for the tow truck guy
Me:You already forgave me for that. You can no longer use it against me.
But I’m smiling as I return my diffuser to its drawer. I’m obviously going to tell him.
I comb my memory for some personal favorites.
Me:Fine *clears throat*
Me:When asked about his ideal physical type, our first bachelor says it’s “A girl who looks like my future wife.”
Ro:YOOOO!
Ro:That’s deep af
