I didn’t say that, though. Corey was sensitive about his shortcomings, and it wasn’t like he hadn’t heard it before.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “I’m just frustrated. I’ve been trying to get a job and get my shit together. I’ve put in a bunch of apps, but I keep coming up empty.”
I nodded. “It takes time.”
Especially when you didn’t have a good reference for bailing on your last job.
“It didn’t take you any time,” he grumbled.
“Well, I’ve got a pretty niche skill. If Sammi hadn’t wanted to expand BowWow, I’d be in the same boat.”
“I guess,” he said, not sounding convinced.
I should probably push him to try harder, not comfort him, but Corey didn’t take criticism well. He’d exaggerate it in his mind until it was an immovable boulder that held him back.
“Come on,” I said. “You can look for a job again tomorrow. For now, let’s make dinner.”
I threw together chicken, mushrooms, Rotini, and a cream sauce for a simple pasta bake. Corey scarfed his food as quickly as Bruno inhaled his kibble, then escaped to his room to call his girlfriend. He’d followed her to Granville when she’d dropped out of college in Riverton, a point of contention with our parents. A big reason he’d been desperate they not find out how badly everything had fallen apart after he got here.
Not with Rachel. He was in love with her. But she’d moved back in with her family—helping take care of her younger siblings while she figured out what she wanted to do next—and my brother didn’t handle independent living all that well.
I cleaned up the dishes, wiped down the counters, and let Bruno into the fenced-in backyard for a little potty time.
Finally, I ran out of things to do while I waited for areturn text from Jamie. Maybe she was working or out with friends or…ghosting me.
I went to my room, took a shower, and stripped down for bed. Just as I was turning out the lights, my phone buzzed with a text.
Hi, Hank! I’m so excited to get a match. Meeting the right guy is so hard, you know?
Relief swept in. My match wasn’t blowing me off for being boring. She seemed genuinely excited I’d reached out.
Hank:
If only people were as easy to love as dogs, right?
Jamie:
Haha. Omg you love dogs too? I guess the Matchmaking Mamas know what they’re doing after all.
I settled back against the pillows, hope fluttering to life. It had been a long time since I’d connected with someone. Maybe Sammi had been right to nudge me into Iola’s matchmaking scheme.
With only a few words, I suddenly remembered how much fun it could be to get to know someone new. To banter and flirt.
To feel that zap of attraction. I hadn’t felt that in months. Hadn’t even tried. But now I was curious if the chemistry would be there in person.
Hank:
So, about this date…
Jamie:
Yes?
Hank:
Is Saturday too soon?
Jamie:
