“Of course. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Gwen gestured for Eric to speak. Eric, who hadn’t moved from his slouched position, one arm stretched along the back of a chair, like some medieval prince taking his leisure while the court jesters entertained him.
“What is it you wish to know?” EJ asked.
Jordan hoped he was the only one who had noticed a wobble in her voice.
“There’s no need to be worried,” Eric said. So he’d noticed too. “I’m just curious about what you mean about the religious aspect of it.”
Gwen nodded. “It feels a little exclusive in this day and age.”
“Oh!” EJ glanced at Jordan.
He subtly shook his head at her, heart whirling. Was she seriously considering removing that part of Dream Match? That’s what set their dating app apart from others. The fact that it wasn’t sleazy or focused on appearances like so many others. It wasn’t designed to be something where people hooked up but rather found genuine connections, people who might want a long-term relationship with a view to marriage. Not random flings that left people feeling used and abused.
Jordan cleared his throat. “EJ and I have always been very clear that Dream Match is an app that is designed to help singles in the Christian market. We don’t make apologies for that.”
“But don’t you think that is limiting your market? It’s definitely limiting your exposure.” Eric studied him.
“We prefer to think of it as providing assurance for those who don’t want to deal with the sleaziness of some of the other dating apps out there.”
“Sleaziness?” Gwen’s eyebrows rose like she was offended.
“What are your thoughts, EJ?” Eric asked, as if he thought Jordan might be lying.
She peeked at Jordan, then shrugged. “It’s why we started Dream Match, just like Jordan said.”
“Hmm.”
Jordan gritted his teeth. Why did that one sound spear doubt? Eric was obviously a master at manipulation and had an agenda a mile wide. But why he was interested in Dream Match still remained blurry.
Jordan exhaled slowly, so glad EJ had asked him to come. He could see this was hard for her. As soon as this was over, they’dhave that big talk that was obviously needed. No way did he want to see her falter on the very values that made Dream Match so necessary for today. Rural and regional Christians loved the app’s focus on them.
“Do … do you have any other questions?” EJ asked.
Aww, now the dude had made EJ second-guess herself. Jordan’s hands fisted, and he kept them under the table.
“Not at this time, no.” Eric leaned forward. “But I hope that if I do, you’ll answer my questions.”
“Um, sure.”
“It might help if you don’t block my calls.” Eric’s smile now reminded Jordan of a crocodile. “You did block my calls, didn’t you?”
EJ’s lips pressed together, her usual composure far away as she clearly struggled with what to say.
Defensiveness rose within Jordan, as he longed to say she’d blocked Eric for good reason.
“I’m guessing that’s why you didn’t text me back to say thank you for the flowers.”
Eric had sent herflowers? Why?
Before Jordan’s frustration at Eric’s presumption could leak, the dude with the puppy dog eyes finally spoke. “I, uh, have to go. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”
As did Jordan. But he was going to talk with EJ, as it was clear she was struggling.
“Thanks for listening, Neil,” EJ said. “And for your help before.”
Neil’s chest puffed out. “Your hero, right?”
