Daniel is a tall guy with a wide smile who bears a striking resemblance to Henry Golding. If I weren’t mentally spiraling, I’dprobably spend a bit of time admiring what a striking couple they are.
“Sorry, Lennon,” I say once the pleasantries are done. “What did you mean we’re going to be very popular?”
“You and Miles,” she says. “Because you’re both so good-looking.”
I frown, doing a slow survey of the pickleball courts. And that’s when I realize that Miles and I aren’t here to play pickleball with Lennon and Daniel.
There’s a big banner strung up on the chain-link fence that says: Chicago Singles PickleMixer.
Miles must see the sign at the same time I do, because he busts out laughing, clearly less horrified by this tragic turn of events than I am.
“Lennon?!” I do nothing to disguise the horror in my voice.
She glances up from the clipboard. “Yes?”
“This is a singles event?” My tone still says “horrified.”
Her smile is wide, and I briefly marvel at how white her teeth are. “Yes!”
“You failed to mention that!”
She purses her lips. “Did I not?”
“No.” My eyes are wide. “You didn’t.”
So far, every date I’ve been on has required a certain amount of mental preparation. I didn’t do that today. Most of my time was spent worrying about the whole idea of playing pickleball. Because one stressor is enough.
“Daniel and I actually met at one of these events,” she says. “So now we help organize them. It reminds us of those early times—when it was all magic and butterflies and not dirty diapers and late-night feedings.” She smiles. “I promise it’s going to beso fun—and so much better than those horrible dating apps.” She shudders. “I have to go help Daniel, but we’re almost ready to start.”
My smile probably looks as forced as it feels, and as Lennonrushes off, I slow-turn back to Miles, who is checking out the rest of the group, completely unbothered by this new information.
He glances at me. “Why do you look like you want to throw up?”
“I thought we were coming here to play a friendly game of giant, life-sized Ping-Pong. I had no idea I was going to have to learn this game in front of strangers who are essentially rating my date-ability.”
He smiles like this is no big deal. “Don’t overthink it, Claire. Just have fun.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” I spit. “I bet you were never picked last in gym class, were you?”
He pulls a face.
Clearly not.
“Everyone! If we could have your attention!” Daniel calls out from the center of the courts. “Come a little closer and we’ll explain how the event is going to go!”
“He is way too cheerful,” I groan.
“Come on, Oscar,” Miles says, which makes mewishI had a trash can I could dive into.
We move into the center of the courts and listen as Daniel breaks down the rules.
“You’re a single now, but with any luck, today is the day you’re going to find your double!” Lennon says this like she’s a cheerleader at a basketball game.
I take a step toward Miles. “I didn’t think she was such a cheeseball, but—”
He glances down at me, and when he does, I realize just how close I am to his face. Per usual, he’s unfazed, but me?
Even my brain is stuttering.
