Chapter 5
Penelope
Tripping into the coffeehouse to meet my fourth date of the week, I adjust my glasses, try to smooth down my hair and adjust the bag on my shoulder. Just in time to see the one guy sitting alone stare at me for a moment too long, stand, and head to the bathroom.
Another one bites the dust.
I’m sure that was my blind date. It’s the usual reaction I get. I’m a klutz. A hot mess, if you will.
I haven’t a clue about pop culture. I’ve never watched a single episode of The Kardashians or followed Jersey Shore.
And sports? Forget it.
I’m not living under a rock, but I was just more interested in getting a great education to get an excellent job so I could be more—more than the girl with glasses who couldn’t get a date in high school.
So, unless you know about bioengineering, we probably shouldn’t talk.
But here I am, trying my luck at love. My friends are determined to help me find someone. And yes, I love the romantic idea of love, so I’ll go along with it. I would really love to fall in love. To spend my days waiting to get home, only to spend my nights wrapped around my man.
I’ve had one serious boyfriend. It was my freshman year of college, and before you say “that’s too young to know what love is,” well, you’re right.
I wanted it so badly. And I think he did, too. But we just weren’t compatible. I forced the issue, always hoping, always waiting for those sparks to fly.
Just like you read about, I know it’s out there. I know it’s out there for me. The right person will love me for me, and not be embarrassed by me because I have two left feet or because I have big hair. Or wear glasses. Or can recite all fifty states in alphabetical order.
Backwards.
Now, if I could only find that love.
I sit at the now-empty table. No one gives me a second look.
I do well by hiding myself away. The glasses and wild hair deter people.
Pulling my phone out, I scroll and come across an ad for a dating site.
Catching my interest, I clicked into the page and read more.
Furrowing my brows, I realize this is dating in exchange for money.
I thought this was illegal.
Quickly swiping out of the ad, I text my friends and ask them to meet up for a drink. Let’s see if I can meet someone the old-fashioned way.