“What? Since when?” Willa asks.
“Since yesterday morning.”
“Well, what is it?” Calla pries.
“I’m actually helping your brother and Grey.”
She studies me for a minute and then nods. “Good. He needs it. He’s missed two dinners at our mom’s in the last month, all because he can’t keep his schedule straight. Or maybe it’s because she constantly asks him when he’s going to start dating again, but probably mostly because he’s busy.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“Are you still on those dating apps?” Willa asks. “Sorry I changed that subject so quickly. I just remembered that I saw an ad last night for this documentary about a lady who was murdered meeting a blind date, and I wanted to tell you that I think you need to start giving me”—she points at Calla— “or her the name and address before you meet someone. Even if it’s a lunch date. Murderers don’t care what time of day it is.”
Calla lets out a hoot. “That’s the biggest subject change in the history of subject changes.”
“I didn’t want to forget.”
“No worries, Wills. I’m taking a break from the apps until further notice. It’s a big reason why I’m helping your brother. I need the distraction. All the available guys out there are just… weird. Dating in your thirties is nothing like dating in your twenties. I swear, the women are ready to settle, and the men are just looking for fun.”
“Oh, Greer. I’m sorry. So you’re not going to date? And you’re exactly thirty. So it should basically be the same thing as last year.”
“I’m still going to date. I’m just not going to use an app to meet someone. I tried it. It failed. When it comes down to it, I want that first click moment to be in person. Not because some guy swiped the right way on my profile picture.”
“Maybe you should take a break?” Willa suggests.
I’ve considered it, but all that would do is take me away from my goal, and I don’t want that. Finding a different way to reach it—now that sounds more like me.
“Or this is that moment.” Calla beams. “You know, where you swear off men, and boom! The right one just appears out of thin air.”
“Have you been plotting with Beck again?” Willa asks.
“A little.”
“It shows.”
“Well, it could happen. I’m the perfect example of how Mr. Right could be right in front of you, and you have no idea till he’s gone.”
“Considering the only men in my life are your fiancés and husbands, I’m going to say that’s not the case here. And I’m not swearing off men, just dating apps.”
“And Simon.” Willa smiles.
“What?” I ask.
Willa points at me with her coffee. “The only men in your life are husbands, fiancés, and Simon.”
“Grumpy Simon?” I ask. “I’m pretty sure Grey made him ask me for help.”
“You’re probably right there,” Calla says. “But I don’t mean my brother. As awesome as that would be, I’m afraid he fits the profile of the men in your dating app. He just wants fun. He swears he’ll never settle down again. A broken heart is hard to mend, and I just don’t think his ever did.”
“This is a really depressing coffee break,” Willa says.
Calla goes back to eating her breakfast, and I let her words soak in. I never intended to date Simon. Stare at him from time to time, yes. Maybe flirt, yeah, but date? No. Still, her last comment hits me in the heart.
What must it feel like to know you’ll end up alone and be okay with it?
Maybe I’ll get more from hanging out with him than I think. Maybe I could ask him about how he’s come to accept being alone.
Then again, that might include the two of us having to share more personal details than either of us wants.
