Dirty Hoe: A Gardening Romance (Small Town Dirt Book 1)
1. Goodbye, Boys!
“You know what?If we could all just sew our damn red flags together and wear them like capes, it’d make this whole bullshit online dating thing infinitely easier—for all of us!” Gia shoved her gloved fingers into the dirt, the plastic claws on the end easily splitting through the small roots in her way. She wasn’t talking to anyone in particular; no one else was there, after all. But she continued her rant all the same.
“Put it all out there for everyone to see—to take it or leave it. At least we would know what we’re getting involved in before it’s too late!” She scoffed, haphazardly pulling weeds out and chucking them over her shoulder into a rapidly growing pile. She’d worry about them later. “Married!” she muttered. “He was married.” She emphasized the last word with an angry huff.
Newly divorced, but after a long, frustrating process, Gia finally felt ready to dip her toes into the dating world, and thus far, it hadn’t been the experience she’d hoped for. The dating pool felt more like a cesspool, and she was about to give up on the whole damn thing. Her first date repertoire now included, but wasn’t limited to, married men whose wives had no idea they were perusing dating sites, ethical polygamists, seekers of friends with benefits, fuckboys, stalkers, and a host of other types she wasn’t looking for.
“Whatever floats your boat, really—but mine is sinking!” she mumbled under her breath. “I should just stay single. Date myself. At least I know I’m faithful and honest. The body could use a little work, though,” she chuckled. At least she could still laugh at herself and the situation. Mom bod, she thought. If ‘dad bod’ was a thing, why couldn’t ‘mom bod’ be?
She knew at least some men found her attractive despite the extra weight she still carried around after three kids and years of personal neglect. Thick thighs and pretty eyes. That’s how one man had described it; it was accurate if she was honest. Finding men who thought she was at least decent-looking wasn’t the issue. She just couldn’t seem to find men with the qualities she desired who also wanted some level of exclusivity and commitment.
At first, it wasn’t a problem. Newly single, Gia had merely wanted to play for a while and to discover what she wanted, didn’t want, liked, didn’t like, and so on. She was the one who didn’t want more. She wasn’t looking for exclusivity or longevity then, but somewhere along the line, it all got old. Hookups, one-night stands, friends with benefits, and situationships began to feel empty and lacking. Sure, she felt empowered and sexy, but then there was nothing to hold onto. No support, no comfort, no relationship.
It wasn’t enough. Gia had learned that lesson the hard way after falling for one of the “FWB” guys she had been seeing regularly. The sex was incredible, but Gia wanted more than that after a few months. He didn’t. It hurt. It was not a catastrophic, soul-crushing pain, but it certainly wasn’t pleasant, and she had no intention of doing it again.
She scooped up a fistful of dirt and allowed it to fall through her fingers, covering several tiny seeds she had pressed gently into the ground below. Gardening was her peace. Her tranquility. The garden itself, her sanctuary. She had designed it to provide a sense of calm and harmony with nature—a space to escape the outside world and disappear into her own thoughts amidst the flowers, herbs, vegetables, bees, butterflies, and beautiful surroundings. She needed that peace now more than ever!
If she was going to date now, it would be men who wanted more than to get laid. Maybe it would take a while to find the right one, but she wouldn’t waste her time on the ones she knew were wrong from the jump anymore.
Gia abruptly rose from her knees and stood, arms folded across her chest. “That’s it! I’m re-evaluating my priorities. I don’t need any man!” She gazed at the garden before her, the breathtaking result of her hard work and commitment. She had her kids, dogs, garden, and home. And she had kept it all together—alive and thriving—for an entire year on her own, quite possibly the most challenging year of her life. I’m fine on my own. So, why am I rushing this?
With that, Gia pulled out her cell phone and tapped open the folder appropriately titled “Dating B.S.” Then, one by one, she deleted the dating apps she’d spent countless hours browsing profiles and swiping left or right on.
“Goodbye, boys! I’ve had enough. I’m on my own now!” As the determined words sprung from her lips, she hit the tiny ‘x’ hovering just over the last remaining dating apps.
It was official: Gia was stepping out of the dating world!