Page 108 of Off the Wall

“Tomorrow’s my day off,” I call out. But I don’t think either of her ears heard me.

Tomorrow. My stomach twists.

Violet’s telling the staff about the shop tonight, after closing. I won’t be here, since I have to leave early for my final Swipe Rite date. And as much as I want to support my coworkers, a part of me is grateful I’ll be gone. I don’t need the reminder I’m losing the shop. I’m already devastated enough about losing Cash.

I came so close to pulling off a dream that one month ago seemed impossible. But at the end of the day, there were things about both situations I couldn’t control. Still, that’s a part of life I’ll always have to face. And this time, I’m facing it on my own, so the overwhelming sadness in me makes room for a sliver of pride.

So I force a smile on my face and hold my head up, serving our regulars and chatting with coworkers like my whole world isn’t on the verge of collapse. At five o’clock, Violet emerges from the kitchen looking for me. This is the first time I’ve seen her all day. She’s been holed up in her office with Larry, probably making wedding plans.

Oh, and also, Iwasavoiding her a little bit.

“Nori?” She taps her watch. “You’d better get going if you want to make it to your date on time.”

“Thanks, Violet.”

This is her final kindness, sending me away before she shares the news. A twinge behind my ribs tells me I should be here for the announcement. These people are my friends,after all. My family. Then again, Violet’s the real boss. Serendipi-Tea never was—and never will be—mine.

She should be the one comforting them.

The truth is, I could use some comforting myself. Luckily, Keeley’s coming with me to my final date. To show my appreciation, I grab one of our breakfast sandwiches for Gramps on my way out.

Back at the apartment, Keeley helps me raid Hayden’s closet for the perfect square dancing outfit. We land on a pair of raspberry boots, a classic Stetson, jeans and a belt with a big western buckle. I tie my white blouse at the waist. A little extra makeup for the cameras, and we’re off to Silver Springs. On the two-mile drive, butterflies fill my stomach. I have a goal for tonight I didn’t tell anyone else.

Not even Keeley.

When we arrive, I don’t have time to be nervous, because a reed-thin woman from Swipe Rite converges on us. Her name is Dove, “Like the bird,” she chirps, as if there were any confusion.

“Lou’s on camera tonight,” she adds. “I know we usually keep a lower profile on these dates, but Rex Hamilton is your last match. Tall, dark, and handsome. Painted-on Wranglers. We’re all pretty sure you’re going to choose him.”

“Why?”

“Maybe you didn’t hear me.” Her lip twitches. “Tall, dark, handsome. Wranglers?”

Keeley coughs. “What are Wranglers?”

Dove—like the bird—ignores her. “The clubhouse is packed with seniors who are dying to dance with you,” she says. “Hmm. Maybe dying’s not the best way to describe old people. But either way. Are you hyped?”

“So hyped!” I gush.

Not even a little bit.

Dove sweeps us through reception and out past the gardens to the clubhouse full of hopefully-still-living residents. I suck in a breath and tell myself this might not be the worst night of my life.

Until it is.

Okay, that’s an exaggeration. It’s possible my inner monologue has put this date at a disadvantage. Still. As bad as I am at axe-throwing, daisy painting, and crushing grapes with my feet, I’m even worse at square dancing. Lucky for me, Rex Hamilton is so skilled at the various routines, I only fall on my butt once. He’s also only mildly funny, so there’s no danger I’ll be laughing so hard I pee my pants.

Small blessings.

In the middle of the Virginia Reel, I catch Keeley off to the side, dancing and clapping along to the music. She already knows the moves better than I do, even though I’m the one with the expert calling out steps to me. Keeley’s just like that, though. Naturally rhythmic. Eternally cute. She’d be an amazing featured single for Swipe Rite’s new Summer of Love campaign. But she’s already got Andrew. And East has Becca. Violet has Larry. Hayden has Jasper. Cullen and Lauren both have Tilly.

Even Warren has his new woman.

Meanwhile, all I have is a deep longing for a man who will be too busy for me. Forever.

“Nori!” Lou calls out from behind his camera. He motions for me to up my enthusiasm level. So I paste on a grin, throw my head back, and force some laughter while Rex Hamilton and I stack the wood.

Side note: that’s a square dancing term. Swipe Rite is not turning intothatkind of app.

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