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Mary: I miss you guys. Can’t you guys move in tomorrow?

Gemma: Sorry. We could come visit next weekend?

Mary: It’s fine. I’m just gonna cry alone on the couch.

Lil: *books tickets*

Mary: Love you, guys. But seriously, don’t come. I’m swamped with work.

Gemma: Let us know if anything changes.

Lil: How did your date go, btw?

My latest attempt at finding Mr. Right ended in failure after yet another disappointing blind date set up by my mom. Maybe I’m too picky, need to lower my standards, or just give up altogether.

Mary: Honestly, nothing huge. Just super boring and self-absorbed. All he did was talk about himself and his job the whole time. I swear I know his entire life story now, but he didn’t ask me a single question.

Gemma: Sounds lame.

Mary: I’m so over these random setups that go nowhere. I would like to take a break, but my mom’s constant nagging doesn’t help.

Gemma: Try not to let her get in your head. This is your life, not hers.

Lil: Yeah. You get to decide when and how you meet someone, not her.

Mary: I’ll try. Some days, it just feels impossible, though. Like why is it so hard for me when it seems easy for everyone else?

It’s like holding the crow pose while everyone else is in child’s pose.

Gemma: Trust me, it’s not easy for anyone. I thought Oliver was my soulmate, remember? And then one-night stand guy…

Lil: And I almost got married. Yet, here we are…

Mary: I guess the perfect romance, I imagine, only exists in books and movies.

Gemma: At least we have each other. Screw men!

Lil: Screw them. We’ll have our own dates. Spa and movie nights.

Mary: Looking forward to it.

Gemma: Group hug!

Lil: Sending virtual hugs!

Mary: Hugs! Can’t wait to squeeze you both in person once we’re roomies.

I tap over to the chat with Chris. No answer.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I should write him. It took me several days and three margaritas. Sighing, I place my phone upside down on the desk. Let’s not think about him. I have work to do.

As I am about to return my attention to the finance proposal, the light outside flickers on.

The clock on my computer screen reads 1:00 am. Too late to be my father, or anyone else for that matter.

I take off my earphones.

Footsteps, definitely footsteps. Someone must be here… but who? It’s the weekend.