3. Maeve
Groaning loudly,I flop my head against the back of the couch. “Why am I so apprehensive about logging on to Finder?” I ask Lucy, my brother’s girlfriend.
She quickly wiggles and shifts her hips until she’s sitting closer to me. “Probably because it’s something you haven’t done before. But remember, no one will know if you choose not to swipe on them.”
“They won’t?”
She shakes her head. “Nope. You only get notified when you both swipe right.”
“I guess that makes it a little better. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
She nudges me with the side of her arm. “You’re so kind-hearted.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Oh really? Yesterday, I watched you pick up the trash that blew all over the neighbor’s lawn,” she says with a triumphant smile.
“Okay, stalker.” This time, I nudge her arm. “I couldn’t leave it there. She’s ninety years old.”
“I agree, but that’s not the only example I can give of you being sweet.”
“Enough about me.” I struggle with handling compliments gracefully.
“If you’re too nervous to open the app, I’ll do it. It’s the least I can do. After all, you were instrumental in getting your brother and me together.”
“All I did was invite you over for dinner.”
Niall walks into the room and says, “And look what that got her.” He winks at Lucy.
Since I finished my master’s degree in December, I’ve lived with my brother for six months. Lucy is his next-door neighbor. They had a rocky start when they first met, unlike she and I, who became fast friends.
Niall struts over to the couch, stopping in front of Lucy. He holds his hand out. “It’s time for bed.”
“Aww, he needs you to tuck him in,” I say.
Lucy shakes her head. “I was gonna help your sister with something.”
I wave my hand at them both. “Go on. I’m all set.”
She takes Niall’s hand, and he pulls her to her feet. “Night, Maeve.”
I smile at her. “Night.”
“Sorry to ruin your plans,” he says, leading her toward his room.
“Sure. Sure,” I shout after him.
Finally, I stretch out lengthwise on my stomach and tap the Finder icon on my phone. Scrolling through slowly over the next several minutes, I’m mostly disappointed with the options I’m seeing. There seems to be no shortage of good-looking men on this site, but I’m searching for an intangible factor that will make him worth swiping on. And I suppose it would help if I had any idea what that factor is.
Maybe it’s charisma? But how can you judge someone’s charisma if not in person?
Perhaps it’s a friendly glint in their eyes or a devilish smile—or maybe it’s all these things.
I guess it’s something I’ll recognize when I see it.
“Nope. Nope. Nope.” I pass on three more men before someone finally catches my interest. “Hello, handsome.” Looking closer, I notice a few silver strands in his brown hair. He looks older than the guys I’m typically attracted to. And the mirrored aviators he’s wearing in his profile picture give him a look I’m instantly drawn to.
Maybe someone older would be a good thing.
A man who’s mature and experienced—what would that be like?
The few guys I’ve been with sexually were neither of those things, which is possibly why none of them lasted—in the bedroom or my life.
For the past six years, I’ve focused on doing well in school and getting a job, so I missed out on some of the wild times college life offers. I didn’t mind then because I was thinking about the bigger picture, which I’ve always done.
But sometimes, I feel so much older than I am—older than someone my age should. Maybe that’s why my friendship with Lucy has been so effortless. I guess I just relate better to her because she’s ten years older than me.
Sheryl and I have become friends through work, and while I enjoy her company, she and I have different interests. She’s all about fashion and going to a new bar every night. Shopping is something I do out of necessity, and I’d prefer hanging out at home with my brother and Lucy over spending time with strangers at some random bar.
The longer I study his picture, the more details I notice. His build is lean and muscular, but not bulky. His blue polo shirt fits well enough to reveal a flat stomach, and the short sleeves show off solid forearms. Hot damn, forearms are a significant weakness of mine. Suddenly, my face feels flushed.
Is it getting hot in here?
I quickly swipe right before I can talk myself out of it. There. What’s done is done.
I’m about to log out when I see a notification that Mr. Handsome and I matched.
Letting out an excited squeal, I beat the tops of my feet against the couch, then bury my face in the throw pillow as if he can currently see me. After a few calming breaths and mild self-admonishment for my childish behavior, I raise my head.
James: Hello, Mae.
I didn’t even notice Sheryl shortened my name on my account.
Me: Hello, James.
James: How’s your night been?
What should I say? Where’s Lucy when I need her? Actually, I don’t want to think about where she is right now or what she’s doing with my brother. Blech.
I can handle this. After graduating summa cum laude, this should be easy.
Me: It’s suddenly improving. How about yours?
James: That’s funny. I was thinking the same thing. Do you live in Charleston?
Me: I do. What about you?
James: Just outside of Charleston. How would you like to meet me tomorrow night for a drink?
I like how he said to meet him and didn’t offer to pick me up. I’m not about to give a stranger my address.
Me: That sounds great. Where are you thinking?
James: BLITZED rooftop bar at eight?
His choice surprises me for a moment, but then I recall the one time I went there with Rogan, my younger brother, I noticed it catered to an older crowd.
Me: That works.
James: I’ll see you then.
Me: Looking forward to it.
James: So am I.
My face hurts from smiling as I log out. I can’t believe I did it. I’m proud of myself. And it was not only relatively painless, it was fun. I set my phone on the end table and prop my chin on my palms. I have a date tomorrow night!
Wait. Is it considered a date if you meet on Finder?
I’ll have to talk with James and figure out what he wants. I don’t have high expectations because I’ve heard horror stories about these apps. Hell, if he shows up, it’ll be an improvement, but I have hopes of having an orgasm.
And I don’t know what about James makes me so confident he can deliver, but I am.
* * *
Sheryl’s waiting near the building’s entrance when I arrive at work. “Good morning.” She hands me a cup of coffee.
I study her for a moment. “Who are you, and what have you done with my friend?”
She laughs. “I had an overnight guest, and they left early, so I figured I’d grab you a coffee for a change.”
“Was it someone I know?” I ask.
She taps her red fingernail against her smirking lips. “You know Ed from the accounting department?”
“Yeah.” Everyone knows who Ed is. With the physique of a bodybuilder, he’s the antithesis of what you think of when you hear the word accountant.
“Well, it wasn’t him,” she says, laughing.
“You’re ridiculous. I no longer care to know.” I start walking toward the door, knowing she really wants to tell me.
She catches my arm, stopping me. “Wait. It was Juan.”
“Who’s Juan?”
“He also works in accounting,” she says.
“Is this something new?”
One of her shoulders offers a quick shrug. “We’ve hooked up a few times. But enough about me, I want to hear about your matches on Finder.”
I take a sip of my coffee, making her wait. “I only jumped on there for a few minutes last night. I matched with one guy, and we’re meeting tonight.”
“Ooh, where are you going?”
“I’m not telling you.”
She laughs. “You know I’d show up.”
“Exactly. I’ll have my hands full already.”
“Isn’t that the idea?” She raises her dark eyebrows at me.
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll see how I feel when we meet. If he’s giving off creeper vibes, I’m out of there.”
“Oh, definitely. You should listen to your instincts. Keep your eyes open for red flags, and don’t be swayed by good looks.”
I picture James’s profile pic. “I think it’s too late for that. He’s gorgeous.”
“Well then, make sure there’s more to him than just his good looks,” she clarifies.
“I want to hook up with the guy, not bear his children. I’ll be satisfied if he’s attractive and nice.”
She wrinkles her nose. “Do you want a nice guy in bed?”
If I’m honest, I don’t know what kind of man I want in bed beyond someone who’s able to make me come.
“I didn’t mean in that sense. I just meant I don’t want to end up going home with a serial killer.”
“Take him to your place,” she suggests.
“I can’t. I live with my brother.”
“Oh, yeah. Your sexy-as-fuck hockey-playing brother you’ve yet to introduce me to.”
“You mean my brother, who’s in a very serious relationship?”
She pouts her red lips. “Boo. All the good ones are already taken.”
I nod. “Sometimes it feels that way.”
“I hope you have luck with your date tonight. Send me a pic of him while you’re out,” she says, sipping from her cup.
“Yeah, that’s not happening. There’s no stealthy way to do that. And with my luck, the flash would go off or something.”
She laughs. “That would be hilarious.”
“Not for me.”
“You could show me his profile pic,” she suggests.
I reach inside my pocket and realize my phone’s buried in my purse. “I’ll show you later. I need to get inside anyway.” Moving forward, I open the door and turn to her. “Are you coming?”
She shakes her head. “I’m not ready to work yet.” She glances at her watch. “I still have twenty minutes before I need to start. Unlike you, I don’t like to be here before I have to.”
I roll my eyes at her and step inside. I’m not sure Sheryl would love to work no matter what job she had. As I pass by, I smile and wave at the receptionist and security guard. I press the button to call for the elevator, and the doors instantly part. I’m barely inside when I hear a male voice shout, “Hold the door, please.”
I press the open door button, and when I glance up, I realize it’s Randy hurrying my way.
Would it be rude to let go?
He steps in and smiles at me. “Thank you.”
Too late. I press the button for our floor, and the doors close. “No problem.”
We’ve barely started moving when Randy asks, “Have you thought about giving me another chance so I can take you out?”
Ugh. I was hoping this wouldn’t happen. Now, I definitely regret my manners.
I should’ve let the damn door close.
Since we’re coworkers, the best way to handle this is to make it as quick and painless as possible.
“I did some thinking and decided it’s best if we don’t go out again.”
His expression goes from hopeful to crestfallen in the blink of an eye. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Absolutely.”
“Can I ask why you changed your mind?”
Is he for real?
“You stood me up.”
“I know, but I apologized.”
“Sometimes you don’t get a second chance. Besides, we work together, and I don’t want to muddy the waters here.”
He nods. “Okay. That’s understandable. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“I don’t see that happening.” I give him a tight-lipped smile.
As soon as the door slides to the side, I dart from the elevator and hurry toward my office, as if someone is following me.
Once I’ve closed the door behind me, I expel a relief-filled sigh. Setting my coffee on my desk, I turn on my computer. I hang my purse on the coat rack, and settle behind my desk. This day hasn’t had a great start, but hopefully, it will improve.
I jump right in and tackle my email first, writing replies and taking notes on all the vital information I need to remember.
Next, I type up a few memos Greg asked me to take care of. When I finish, I head to his office. Standing outside, I gently tap my fingers on his open door to get his attention.
He looks up and smiles when he sees me. “Come in, Maeve. What can I do for you?”
“Here are the memos you requested that need your signature.” I hand them across his desk and wait as he looks them over.
He passes each back to me as he signs them. “Please make sure they get delivered where they need to.”
“I will.”
“How are you?” he asks.
“Do you mean, how am I after the bombshell you dropped yesterday?” I ask, my lips curving with amusement.
“Yes, that’s what I’m asking,” he clarifies.
“I’m happy for you and Lillith. You deserve some time off.”
“But?” he presses.
“I know this makes me a horribly selfish person, but a part of me wants you to stay.”
He smiles. “You’re not selfish. I mean, I am an amazing boss. Who wouldn’t miss me?”
I laugh.
“You’re going to love working for Trey. After a month or so, you’ll have forgotten all about me.”
“That’s doubtful, but I appreciate the sentiment.”
“I’ll still be checking in from time to time.”
“Gotta make sure the new boss is doing his job, huh?”
“Not really. I just want to annoy Trey.”
I laugh. “That’s horrible but also hilarious.”
“I’m handing him a billion-dollar team. I can’t make the process too easy.”
“That’s true.”
“You can be my secret insider and tell me how everything’s going,” he says.
My mouth falls open. “Oh no you don’t. I’m not spying on my new boss. That’s a good way to lose my job. Once you leave, my loyalty will be with Trey.”
He smiles wide. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
Placing my hands on my hips, I ask, “Are you testing me?”
“I was, but you passed.”
“Pfft. Of course I did. Before I return to work, do you need anything else?”
“Could I please get a cup of coffee?” he asks.
“Sure. I’ll be right back.” I walk down to the far end of the hallway where the staff lounge is located. I find Sheryl rifling through the cabinets. “What’s up?”
She slams the door shut. “I’m looking for something good to eat, but there’s nothing.”
“I can order some stuff. What do you want?”
“What happened to all the protein bars? There’s no yogurt in the fridge either.”
“I’ll get some fruit and other stuff. I’ll put in for a delivery when I’m back at my desk.”
“What are you planning to wear tonight?” she asks, abruptly changing the subject.
“Done with that subject, are we?”
“You said you’re taking care of it, so I’m moving on to a more important topic. So what are you wearing on your date?”
“I don’t know yet. It’s still hours away.”
“You should wear a dress and show off your long legs.”
“A dress? Really?”
“Think of it this way. Dresses are easy access.” Her eyebrows dance up and down.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, grabbing a clean coffee mug from a cabinet and filling it with freshly brewed coffee. “I have to get this to Greg. I’m working through lunch, so don’t wait for me.”
“Okay. If I don’t see you before you leave, have fun tonight. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she says with a wicked-sounding laugh.
“Bye, Sheryl.” I carefully carry Greg’s coffee back to his office and set the mug on his desk.
He’s in the middle of a phone call, so he mouths, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I whisper, then return to my office. I get busy right away ordering food for the lounge. But I keep getting distracted thinking about my “date,” and I wish Sheryl hadn’t brought it up. Now, I’m sitting here getting nervous about all the what-ifs I’m coming up with instead of focusing on my work.
No matter what happens with James, at least I’m getting out and trying something new.