Page 65 of Stick to the Plan
“What did I do?” Anna comes through the kitchen doors, carrying a large tray of snacks.
Nic eyes the snacks for a minute. “Girl, are you sure snacks are a smart idea for a dating event? Can you imagine if someone has spinach in theirteeth? Or garlic breath.” She grimaces and fake gags, making me chuckle under my breath.
Snacks safely placed on the waiting table, Anna turns back, hand on a hip cocked at a saucy angle. “Pa-lease, who do you take me for? There are no onions, garlic, or green leafy vegetables in any of this. Teeth and breath are secure. The guys will blow these dates all on their own.”
Leaning closer to my ear, Nic stage-whispers, “I still think we should stick to the booze, get everyone loose.”
I laugh, the antics of my two best friends a welcome comfort. “Come on, Nic, think of our insurance premiums! Plus, the law says if you serve drinks, you need food to soak it up.” Dropping my voice, I turn back into Nic. “Though I agree that the number of matches would increase.”
Nic chuckles and gives me a side hug. Anna fusses with the other items on the table, not changing my layout so much as ensuring everything is in place. She picks up the registration list and gives it a quick scan before squinting slightly and running her tongue over her teeth. Uh-oh, that’s her thinking face.
“What’s wrong, Anna?” I ask.
“The count is off. We have more bachelors than bachelorettes.” She looks up at me, her gaze calculating.
“Let me see that.” I march over to look for myself. “I handled the registration myself and we had even numbers.” Taking the clipboard from her, I scan the names. Sure enough, one of the girls’ names has a line through it with a handwritten note that she canceled. “Fuck. Well, I guess one guy will just have to sit out every rotation - gives them a chance to get some snacks.” I look up at my friends to gauge their reactions.
Nic comes over to look at the list over my shoulder. “Nope, won’t work. The girls will bitch they don’t get a break for snacks. Plus, it just complicates things. One of us will have to be a bachelorette.”
Anna holds her hands up, palms out. “Well, I can’t do it! I have more snacks to bring out and the rest of the restaurant to oversee.”
“And I can’t do it, I’m the MC.” In unison, they turn towards me, heads tilted and eyes sharp.
“Hell no! I just got my heart broken, remember? I’m not ready for one date, net alone ten!” I slowly back away from them, feeling outnumbered.
“Bree darlin’, when you get thrown, you just gotta get back on that horse.” Anna’s eyes are soft, but her tone is firm.
“Daisy Duke is right.” Anna smacks Nic’s arm playfully at the nickname. “Think of it as a practice run! Just rip off the Band-Aid and get 10 crap dates out of the way!”
“Oh yeah,” I roll my eyes, “because that sounds way better. How about I MC and Nic can do it? I’m not dressed for a date, anyway.” I sweep a hand over my standard restaurant uniform of black dress slacks and blouse.
“I have something in my car that will be perfect on you. Plus...you know I love you...you are the best planner in the world, but you’re not exactly the best at working a crowd. You can’t MC if we want this to be successful.” Nic has the grace to wince, but she is never shy to tell you the brutal truth.
With a sigh, I deflate. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Do you have a makeup bag with that outfit? And for the love of god, someone get me an Old-Fashioned.”
Nic and Anna share a look that instantly makes me regret agreeing to this. Before I can say a word, they rush me up to Anna’s apartment to change and glam up my makeup a bit. I’m caught up in a whirlwind, unsure of what’s happening. Feels like I blink and find myself seated at a candlelit table for two, decked out in a shimmery cobalt halter, smokey eyes, and raspberry lips.
I end up at the corner table, back to the rest of the attendees. Around me, nine other women ranging from 23 to 45 sit at identical tables, doinglast makeup checks or reviewing the suggested topics cards. I fidget in my seat, wishing I was safely behind the organizer table instead in the middle of the event.
“Here you go, old-fashioned with extra cherries.” Asher arrives at my elbow with a drink.
I grab the drink out of his hand and take a big swig, moaning in appreciation.
“Thank you.” I grab his arm, desperation clear in my voice. “Keep them coming. I need the liquid courage.”
Asher smiles down at me and pats my hand on his arm. His eyes are warm with humor and a sprinkle of pity at my predicament. The man must rake in the tips - and phone numbers - with that smile. It’s no wonder ladies’ night is so good for business here. The man is objectively gorgeous, but he’s having no effect on me. My stomach twists as I realize I’m comparing him to Colin, and I take another swig of my drink.
“Don’t worry, Bree. You’re the prettiest bachelorette here. All ten of those guys are going to want another date,” Asher says.
Letting go of his arm, I bury my face in my palms to muffle a groan. “Not better! ore dates is so not the goal here.” After a deep breath, I look back up at the confused-looking Asher. “But thanks for the compliment.” He heads back to the bar, shaking his head.
“Ok, ladies, it’s about time to begin!” Nic holds a portable mic and beams at the crowd, completely in her element. She is right, she’s way better at this. “Welcome to Pop’s first speed dating event! Ten lucky bachelors are waiting just around the corner to meet you. You’ll have six minutes to chat and decide if you’d like to exchange numbers. There will be no ending a date early - just smile and nod for six minutes, ladies. We’re all pros at it.”
Nic pauses for effect, and I hear a smattering of giggles. She is so good with people, so charismatic. “During your date,if you have an insta-connection you can both agree to bypass the rest of the candidates by ringing the bell. Any questions?”
Soft murmurs and gentle head shakes come from the crowd. I turn back to face my table, concentrating on slow breaths to calm my racing heart. Shit, what do I even talk about?
Wait, this isn’t real. I’m just filling an empty chair. I can just say no to all 10. No harm, no foul.
