Gretchen leans in like she’s about to drop state secrets.
“She got matched up with him on Uncle Uzzi’s new Date to Mate app,” she whispers.
“Oh boy,” I groan, dropping my sandwich back onto the plate. “Yes, I did, but he doesn’t want a mate?—”
“Hold the phone,” Elissa cuts in, holding up her hand like she’s calling a meeting to order. “Start from the beginning.”
And wow.
Okay.
So apparently I’m doing this.
I sit back in my chair, crossing my arms.
“Fine,” I say. “But just so we’re clear? This is not a love story.”
Jessica snorts.
Kylie grins.
Gretchen looks entirely too pleased with herself.
Elissa just arches one perfectly shaped brow and waits.
I huff out a breath.
“Okay,” I start. “So, Uncle Uzzi walks into the ice cream shop and starts yapping about Date to Mate and I download the app, right? Just to see what the hype is about. I wasn’t even taking it seriously—like at all.”
“Mm hmm. That’s how that old Witch gets ya,” Jessica hums.
“And then, like right away, I hear a ping. I get matched.”
“With Rob, Reg’s brother,” Gretchen adds helpfully.
“Yes, with Rob Cray,” I snap, pointing at her. “And I’m thinking, okay, whatever, maybe I’ll meet him, see what happens.”
“And?” Kylie prompts.
“And,” I say, my voice going flat, “he comes storming into my shop, takes one look at me and basically says he’s not interested in a mate.”
There’s a beat of silence.
“He said what?” Elissa asks, dangerously calm.
“Exactly what I said. He’s not interested. Doesn’t want a mate. So I told him that’s good because I’m not looking for one either,” I mutter and shrug, ignoring the pain that stabs at my chest unexpectedly.
Jessica’s eyes narrow.
Kylie looks offended on my behalf.
Gretchen just winces.
“But now,” I continue, throwing my hands up, “he’s blowing up my phone, emailing my business, and acting like he didn’t just dismiss me like I was yesterday’s melted ice cream.”
Elissa leans back slowly.
A slow, predatory smile spreads across her face.
