Page 15 of My Merry Mistake
“Look.” I pat his arm, which is much firmer than I expected. “I think you’re nice, and if I’m honest, a bit too trusting. You’re nice. And that’s one of your best qualities—but makes you an easy target.”
His gaze drops to my hand, still on his arm.
I pull it away. “Just some friendly advice.”
“All I’m hearing is that you have thoughts about my ‘best qualities.’”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, for the love. Go back to your girlfriend.”
He grins, leans closer, and looks so far into my eyes I can feel it in the back of my head.
“She’s not my girlfriend.”
My breath catches.
And then he walks away.
I stand there, on the perimeter, watching people move in and out of the space—laughing, smiling, having loud conversations. Telling jokes and making memories. And I’m on the fringes.
Just like always. And it’s getting harder and harder to believe that it’s my choice.
Maybe my sisters are right. Maybe it’s time I actually put myself out there. To figure out what I want in a relationship—and what I don’t—and then go for it. In a way that doesn’t make me lose my head.
My phone buzzes in my bag, and I pull it out and look at it. It’s a notification from an app that’s a lot like Fiverr, but exclusively for young professionals, called Métier. Post what you’re looking for, and you’ll have twenty recommendations within ten minutes. Need signage for your next event? A caterer for a work luncheon? A new administrative assistant? It’s a way to connect to people who have firsthand—and in-depth—knowledge for just about anything you need.
Anything I need.
I often need a date to these kinds of things.
And then an idea begins to form . . .
Métier isn’t a dating app. It’s more like job postings. But why can’t it be both?
I’m not in this for romance. I’m not looking for a traditional date—or even a traditional relationship. What I need is, well, someone like a business partner. A co-laborer. Someone whowill agree to enter into a partnership with a clear understanding of the expectations.
It’s just that partnership is dating.
I could make a post, take resumés, interview candidates, and potentially end up with someone to help take the pressure off events like this. If things go smoothly, there could be upward mobility—someone to eventually split the bills and the chores. After that, if they show promise, it could work itself into a marriage arrangement built on cordial feelings and mutual respect.
The more I think about it, the less romantic it sounds.
And I’m okay with that, honestly. After all, if I could bypass all the messy emotions, the over-the-top reactions, the blowups, the pining, the dramatic feelings, maybe I’d find stability, respect, and common goals.
Maybe I’d find someone perfect for me.
I like this. The possibilities excite me . . .
“Dinner is served!” Dallas calls out to the group. “Let’s eat.”
I tuck my phone away and catch Finn’s eye as Kaylee grabs his hand on the way to the table.
My heart starts to buzz, and my brain says,See? Exactly why this will work.
No feelings. Just a simple, easy business transaction that will end in a solid partnership between two goal-oriented people.
It’s perfect.
“Raya, you’re sitting by me.” Poppy motions for me to take the seat beside her. I glance down at the place card to my left and see Finn’s name, written in perfect calligraphy.
