Page 48 of Stick With Me
“Oh, that’s right!” Natalie doesn’t need any more encouragement, but this ramps up her excitement to a whole new level.
Another plan I never agreed to, but one my girlfriends are determined to talk me into.
“I can see it in your eyes. You’re warming up to the idea.” Natalie waggles her brows.
Ada’s eyes light up, and before I can protest, she claps and then snatches my phone from the coffee table. She downloads a dating app I’ve never heard of, but to be fair, I’m not familiar with any of them, so it seems as good as any other. I don’t have time to stop her before she’s typing away. Welp, I guess we’re doing this.
Does Ryan online date?That thought sours my stomach, so I push it out of my mind.
Creating my profile takes about as long as it takes us to finish a bottle of wine, so by the time we’re ready to swipe, we’re both tipsy and giggling. My previous worries fade, replaced by a fuzzy, happy buzz in my head.
I lean into Ada’s side, squinting at the screen. “This guy looks like he lives in his mom’s basement,” she says, swiping left.
I snort, reaching for the last sip of my wine. “We’re definitely not sober enough for this.”
“Exactly why it’s the best time,” she replies with a mischievous grin.
“I feel left out over here,” Natalie whines.
I pick up the iPad and angle it so she can see the phone too. “Where’s your kid, by the way? Are we going to wake him?” I ask, glancing around her living room and noticing the sports equipment tucked into the corner for the first time.
“Nope, he’s at his dad’s.” Ada follows my gaze but quickly returns to finding me a match. “What about this one?” She tilts the screen toward me, showing a man’s profile.
I consider him briefly. “No. He’s a blond.”
Natalie raises her sculpted brows on the screen. “You dated a blond for years. Now you’re not attracted to them?”
I shake my head. “Nope.”
Ada pulls up another profile, this time of a man with dark-brown hair. I shake my head again. This continues for about a dozen more swipes. “What’s wrong with this one? You’ve shut down every profile I’ve shown you, and I’ve given you a wide variety of options.”
“None are your type? Should we switch? Want to try your luck in the lady pond?” Natalie teases. She pushes her long red hair behind her shoulder and stares at me through the screen.
“Ha, it’s tempting, but no.”
Natalie rolls her eyes. “I know your type.” Then, a slow smile lifts her cheeks. “I think… he’s tall, over six feet. Brown, shaggy hair with permanent scruff across a strong jaw. Honey-brown eyes. Maybe he plays a game where he hits a black rubber disk with a stick…”
“A puck… Nope, no more hockey players!” I scowl at her, catching on to what she’s doing. “Why does it sound like you’re describing Ryan?”
“Oh look, she’s prettyandsmart,” she says, a smirk on her face.
I groan into my hands while Natalie’s laughter echoes through the speaker, sounding like one of those hyenas fromThe Lion King.
“Why do I feel like I’m missing something here?” Ada asks, scrunching her brows.
“Oh,” Natalie draws the word out. “She didn’t tell you?—”
“There’s nothing to tell,” I cut her off. Natalie, with very little evidence, is convinced Ryan and I are meant to be. I can only imagine how smug she’ll feel if she finds out about the kiss.
Ada shakes her head and focuses on the screen, her expression shifting with every swipe, cycling through amusement, confusion, and the occasional grimace.
The next one results in a small smile. “How about this one? He’s thirty, so older than you, which hopefully means he’s mature. Although, I’m in my thirties, so maybe not,” Ada says with a laugh. “I digress. He works in finance, no sports in sight. Oh, and he has a dog! You love dogs! Want to send him a message?”
“Yes, yes, yes,” Natalie chants, pouting her bottom lip and giving me puppy dog eyes. “Please, Hannah. I have a good feeling.”
I’m not sure how that’s possible, but I relent. “Let’s see.”
I take the phone from Ada’s outstretched hand and angle it away from their view before quickly switching to my chat with Ryan.
