Page 12 of The Comeback Summer

Six

HANNAH

No.

No.

No.

It is taking every bit of strength I possess to keep my expression neutral and my body planted in my chair. It feels like a giant bear trap has snapped shut on my torso, crunching my rib cage, collapsing my lungs.

I have to go out with a dozen strangers?

Making small talk with randos is my worst nightmare. I have a recurring dream where I’m forced at knifepoint by a serial killer to go room to room in a massive apartment building and converse with the occupants. I always wake up in a sweat, trembling all over—and not because of the knife-wielding murderer.

Now I have to spend my entire summer essentially living that dream.

Beside me, Libby’s grinning like the Cheshire cat, giddy about the prospect of me going on all these dates. Which ishypocritical, given that she hasn’t been on a date in years.Sheshould have been given this challenge.

I’m one of those pathetic girls who had the same boyfriend all through high schoolandcollege, assumed we’d be together forever, then got dumped without warning. In the five years since, I’ve gone out with other men, mostly because my sister tells me I have too much main-character energy (her words, not mine) to become a sad spinster destined to die alone (my words, not hers).

But I’ve had zero chemistry with the guys I’ve dated, and the handful of times we made it to the bedroom, it didn’t go well. I’m getting queasy thinking about it, the awkwardness of being naked with someone for the first time, the constant worry that he’s bored or annoyed or internally critiquing me.

If we weren’t in the middle of a meeting with a potential client who could save our business from utter ruin, I would excuse myself to the bathroom. Maybe to vomit. Definitely to cry.

But Lou’s already turning to my sister to deliver her challenge.

“Libby,” Lou says. “Based on your results, you are socially adventurous. You’re adept at conversing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, and at discerning people’s true intentions.”

Libby lights up, relishing the compliments, which are all true. She inherited GiGi’s ability to schmooze potential clients while also sniffing out red flags. But even though she’s a confirmed extrovert, Libby doesn’t have much of a social life anymore; given the shaky state of our business, it makes sense that she’s been focusing on work. But maybe her challenge could be to rekindle some friendships? Or hobbies?

“However,” Lou goes on, “the most striking theme of your questionnaire is your fear and avoidance of anything physically uncomfortable. Learning to tolerate physical discomfort, to push not just your mind and spirit but also your body, will be the most crucial element of crushing your comfort zone.”

I’m nodding along; I’ve told Libby this before. I don’t expect her to join my ten-mile weekend runs, but she avoidsanythingphysical—biking, kayaking, walks longer than a couple of miles. I know she has some insecurities about her body, but I’ve run marathons with people of all shapes and sizes. Body size doesn’t correlate with fitness.

“Your challenge,” Lou continues, “will be in the area of physical strength. You’ll be required to complete a twelve-week training program, culminating in an organized race or sporting event.”

Libby sucks in a gasp. “What exactly do you mean by training?”

“I’d suggest physical activity six days a week, at least thirty minutes a day. And for the event—maybe y’all could compete in a race together!”

“In public?” Libby whispers. She’s gone pale.

Lou gives her a quizzical look. “Well, yes, that’s implied as part of the organized event.”

“I—” Libby’s eyes dart toward me in a silent plea. “My sister and I should discuss this in private.”

“Oh no,” I say, enjoying the way the tables have turned. “You were fine with me being shoved out ofmycomfort zone. If we’re doing this, that meansyouare doing this.”

Lou gives me an approving smile. “I love that attitude, Hannah. That’s exactly what I’m looking for in an agency partner!”

Libby swallows. I can tell she’s trying to conceal her risingpanic; I felt the same way a few minutes ago. But seeing it from the other side makes me realize that Lou is onto something. Okay, so I hate my challenge. But maybe I have been scared for too long when it comes to social situations. Going on these dates probably won’t lead to true love, but it will force me to confront my biggest weakness, which could help me at work, too. I’m still embarrassed by how I froze up on that phone call with Mr.Rooney the other day.

Plus, I wouldloveto train for a race with Libby.

And that’s when it hits me: I have the perfect event.

“The Down & Dirty!” I say, turning to my sister. “I’ve been wanting to do it for ages. It’s a team event, running interspersed with obstacles. The goal is to finish, not to win. You’ll love it.”

---