“Omigod!” Claire perks up and shuffles on her knees over to Lara. “I’m so happy for you!” She wraps her arms around her as best she can from her position on the floor.
“Thanks,” Lara says through a laugh. “When I ended up talking about everything but the affair with Paul to Dr. Milbanke, I realized maybe it was time to move on from therapy.” She takes a swig of wine.
“I so wish I could do that,” Jackie says. “You’re so strong. Much stronger than I ever could be.”
“I’m sure you could do fine without sessions every single week,” Sophie says.
“Uh, try two times a week.” Jackie tosses her head back and gives it a roll. “Nah, it gives me something to do, if anything.”
Sophie wags her head, long and slow. She looks next to her at Lara, who’s grinning.
“Anyway,” Lara says, “that chapter’s done, and Nathan and I are doing well and—”
“In love!” Robin cries, clapping.
“In love,” Lara repeats bashfully.
“Did he say it? Did he say it?” Claire’s glowing. “He said he loves you?”
“Yes. We’ve even been talking about moving in together.”
“Whoa!” Robin and Claire rumble together.
“Big move there, Lara,” I say. “You two must be pretty serious.”
“Nothing’s for sure,” she says in her put-together way. “No rash decisions or anything.”
“You wouldn’t move out of this place, would you, Lara?” Jackie asks, slightly incredulous, waving her hands around. “It’s so gorgeous. You’ve worked a lot for it, too.”
Lara’s always been a workaholic. For as long as I’ve known her she’s been serious about making a career for herself, first in college studying around the clock for her MBA and now at a high-profile advertising firm. She’s made a nice life for herself in this high-rent apartment and, well, I simply couldn’t ever picture her leaving this place. She’s lived here in this quiet and well-manicured area of Wallingford, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from my neighborhood of Fremont, since graduation. It’s where we’ve had countless girls’ nights; Rose was raised here when she was an infant; it’s kind of home to all of us. Then again, who am I to tell her to stay put?
“He could move in here?” I suggest. I just can not picture Lara giving up her home—all that she’s worked so hard for.
“Maybe,” she says.
“Well,” Sophie says in a slightly nasally voice, “make sure if you move into his place, or get a new place to share, you keep your options open—have your backups, don’t end up giving yourself up for some man.”
“Sophie,” Claire says. She steals a seat on the loveseat’s arm and practically sits on Sophie’s lap. “You had one bad experience living with a guy; it’s not the same for everyone.”
“Still.” Sophie swirls her wine about.
“Conner and I lived together for years before we got married,” Claire says in her usual sunshine voice. “Everything worked out fine.” She purses her lips, then adds, “Okay, so the last few months with the wedding planning and all were kind of craaazy. But even then, everything worked out!”
“Be smart,” Sophie says to Lara after taking a drink. “You’re a smart woman, though, Lara. You’ll make the right decision.”
“I don’t always make wise choices,” Lara’s quick to counter. “But, yeah.” She shrugs her shoulders, then a smile stretches across her lips. “Nathan and I’ve talked about it—we’re still talking about it. But I definitely think it’d be more likely he’d move in here.”
“This place is really nice,” I say. I pull a throw pillow to my chest. “And, I’ll admit, even though you’re super swamped with work and I’m never consistently here, it is nice having you just around the corner.”
“That is until you, Miss Em, find yourself a man,” Robin says, getting up from the couch and walking over to the television to restart the DVD. “I’ve been talking to Bobby about this.”
Rose is now shakily walking around, making her way to the television stand. She reaches up against it for one of the remote controls.
“No, no, baby,” Robin says softly. She pushes the controls farther back into the console, and Rose lets out a whine. She bounces on her wrinkled haunches. “No, honey bear.” Robin quickly retrieves a plush toy and dangles it in front of Rose.
“You’re talking to Bobby about my love life?” I ask. Jackie and Claire are giggling. “Great. So, what’s the verdict?”
“He thinks you need to get laid,” Jackie shrieks through her fit of laughter.
“No, I’m pretty sure she’s dealt with that issue recently,” Claire manages to get out.
“The wedding setup,” Jackie says, pointing at me. “Nice work, Claire. The DJ booty was like weeks ago, though.”
“Girls,” I say, putting a stop to the ridiculous banter. “No, I want to know,” I say to Robin.
Rose is still whining, but the moment the cartoon music commences, her attention is grabbed, and the remote controls become a thing of the past.
“Good,” Robin says in relief. She sits Rose down and farther back from the screen, placing the plush toy in her lap.
“Come on, what’s Bobby think?” I urge.
“So,” Robin starts, “we were talking about how finding that guy who could be an, ohhh…I suppose a serious deal, is really tough.”
I briefly survey the room. All of the girls are listening intently, nodding and making low mmmhmm noises.
“Your interests are varied enough that there’s almost no shortage of men who could ignite sparks with you,” she continues. “On the other hand, because your interests are so varied, that’s also kind of your—”
“Achille’s heel,” Lara cuts in.
“Exactly.” Robin gives a sharp nod. “It’s finding that ideal mix for you.”
“Hence my apprehension or difficulty or reluctance or whatever you want to call it, to find this quote-unquote ‘real relationship.’” I cross my arms and wait for someone to expand on or dispute my opinion.
“Bobby and I think we might have a match for you,” Robin slowly reveals. “Not sure, but maybe—”
“I know!” Claire abruptly shouts. “I’ve got the best idea ever!”
Before she can say it, the reality of what could result from Robin’s suggestion makes my stomach churn, and I wish I had a shovel so I could dig myself a hole, get inside, and cover myself up. I just know what’s coming next.
Chapter Seven
“That’s a fantastic idea!” Jackie blurts out.
“How come I didn’t think of that?” Sophie says.
“That’s not a bad idea, Claire,” Robin says with a nod.
“Perrrrrfect,” Claire sings, returning to her position on the floor by the coffee table. “Such a superbly perfect idea.” She claps her hands together several times. “What do you think, Emily? Brilliant idea, right?”
There are two words that incite major worry and panic, even in someone like me who’s as open to dating, well, just about anyone. One is “blind” and the other is—you guessed it—“date.” God help me.
We’re not just talking a blind date, but several—hear me, plural—blind dates.
“Think about it,” Sophie says, abandoning her wine, her eyes going all star-gazey. “You could meet all sorts of guys. You could dispense with the annoying and time-wasting ‘nice to meet you’ stuff.”
“Yeah!” Jackie cuts in. “Like you wouldn’t have to waste your time on meeting someone and striking up that first conversation that would lead to a date. It’s just, BAM, a date!”
BAM is right.
All right, I’m single, and I have been for a while. And, sure, it’d be nice to find someone I could really connect with and, yeah, fall in love with. But easier said than done. I mean, if I’m going to find someone I can be really and truly serious with then they’ll have to keep up with me, so to speak. I’m not a let’s-get-a-mortgage or even a let’s-have-a-career kind of woman. My lifestyle
isn’t exactly what men who are looking for a serious and lasting relationship go for.
Besides, I’m not so hard-up for a date or budding romance that I need to sign on for a round of blind dates—a series of awkward meet-and-greets, an exchange of interests and goals and accomplishments, that unavoidable question about a second date, that unavoidable expectation come the third or fourth date. My mouth suddenly feels dry. I reach for my wine and take a heavy slog.
“I think this is brilliant,” Claire says. She crosses her arms, looking extremely pleased with herself. “This is revolutionary!”
“No,” Lara finally pipes in.
Oh, thank you for coming to my rescue, finally, Lara! I think, still draining my wine.
“It’s not quite revolutionary…yet.” A sly smirk is playing Lara’s lips. “We’re missing something that’ll revolutionize the blind dating experience.”
“I know!” I toss out. All eyes simultaneously turn to me. “I know what would revolutionize this experience.”
“Yeah?” Jackie asks eagerly.
“Totally…” I drag out. “…not…doing…it!” I smile brightly. “Brilliant way to revolutionize blind dating, right? Do away with the whole buggy thing.”
“Oh, whatever,” Claire scoffs. “Don’t be a sourpuss. We’re doing this, Emily. It will be amazing, just you wait.”
“Claire,” Sophie says, her voice smooth, “totally off topic, and I know I’ve said this before already, but it’s really great to have you back.” She gives Claire a small, genuine smile. “I don’t just mean back-back in town; I mean your good old self. Your fun and carefree and bubbly self.”
“Yeah,” Robin chimes in. “It really is nice to have normal, spunky Claire back after your bridezilla days.”
We all laugh, thinking back on how insane almost every single day was leading up to that wild wedding.
“Well, I’ve got my love match,” Claire says, “and now it’s time for Emily to get hers. We are so setting you up on some blind dates, girlfriend!”
“You won’t have to do a thing, Emily,” Sophie says in a tone that she intends to be reassuring. I’m not feeling so keen on the whole thing, however.
“Exactly,” Lara says. “The five of us will orchestrate all the dates. You’ll have nothing to worry about. Surely one of us can find some guys for you.”
“Look no further,” Jackie says, batting her eyelashes. “I’d be happy to hit the clubs and hook Em up.”
I raise both hands and declare, “No. This discussion ends here, girls.”
“Uh-uh!” Claire says strongly. She props herself back up on her knees, hands on hips. “You’re twenty-eight and single, and, unlike Sophie, here,” she motions behind her, “you aren’t afraid of men. So you’re so doing this, Emily.”
“Oh, don’t start with me,” Sophie says through a suppressed laugh.
“I think sometimes you’re afraid, Sophie,” Claire insists. “Ever since Brandon, the only relationship you can strike up is some half-done, no-news thing with some guy in Paris. And you so deserve more than that.”
Sophie sighs with an abrupt wag of the head.
“I love you, Sophie, but seriously.”
“I’m just married to my café, thank you. I don’t have time for a serious relationship. And as for Henri…” Sophie swirls her wine about her glass. “We Skype now and then. We’re flirty. And you know, if I were in Paris, or if he was here, we’d be going out…”
“But you’re not; he’s not.”
“Well, whatever.” Sophie brings her wine glass to her lips, then pulls back and adamantly says, “And I’m not afraid of men.”
“Okay,” Claire says with a light grin.
“I’m not.” Sophie takes a long pull of her wine.
It’s doesn’t come as a surprise to any of us that Sophie and Henri aren’t exactly working out seeing how the last time they saw each other was something like more than a year ago. He’s all the way in Paris, and Sophie’s all the way here in Seattle. The fling they had going on when Sophie studied in Paris last summer couldn’t possibly have survived this long, no matter how hot and steamy things may have been. Not that I’m a well of knowledge and information, of course; Sophie’s never really divulged all that much about the whole ordeal.
“Anyway, you’re a fabulous woman, Emily,” Claire enthuses, turning to me. “A man would be soooo privileged to be your main squeeze. It’s time to set into motion Operation Blind Date.”
I look at each of the girls, and no one seems to be on my side—they all want me to be a participant in this frightening game of Operation. They all look so excited and ready to open up their black books—books that are retired, dusty, or still in play—and find what Claire keeps calling, “Emily’s hunky dream man.”
“Well,” I say, feeling totally goaded, “I don’t think any of you are really leaving me a choice, are you?”
“Uh-uh,” Claire says with a hardy wag of the head.
“Great!” Robin says with a clap. “Then it’s on!”
“Operation Blind Date, here we come!” sings Jackie.
“So…uhhh…” Sophie says, “what exactly is Operation Blind Date?” She casts about. “Where do we start? Robin, you’re the setter-upper or something?” Sophie pulls a puzzled face, and Robin can only utter a “hmmm.”
“Maybe…” Lara begins, drumming her acrylic fingers on her chin. “…maybe Robin and…Jackie?”
Jackie finishes off her wine and instantly begins to refill her glass. “Maybe I what?” she says.
“Maybe…” Lara continues in a suspicious tone. “Yeah! Robin and Jackie, you two can pick a guy or two to set Emily up with? Robin, you already know a guy.”
“Bobby and I have thought of someone,” Robin says. “Not sure-sure about him, but we can think about it, definitely.”
“And Jackie,” Lara says, pointing at her, “you say you’ve no problem with finding her a match or two?”
“Wait!” Claire says. She slams her hands down onto the coffee table, causing Rose to turn away from the television momentarily to check out the commotion. “I’ve got it! Operation Blind Date just got way more fun!” Claire wildly brushes her fingers through her thick mane of blonde curls, her eyes darting from one corner to the next.
“Calm down,” Sophie says. “Whatcha thinkin’?”
Another slap of the table, Claire bellows, “Each of us will have a date for Emily! We’ll all participate. It’ll just be one from each of us. That way, we’re not bogging Em down with a zillion dates she already doesn’t even want to go on—”
“Thank you,” I add in dryly.
“And that way,” Claire tightly twists a curl around a finger, “we can all play a fun part in this—”
“Game,” I finish. “My love life’s become a game. Oh joy.”
Claire waves away my sarcasm with a spastic shake of her arm. “All of us will help her out. We’re here to help you, Emily.” I politely nod. “It’s a win-win for everyone, and a bit of fun, you know?”
“So, five dates then?” Lara says. She’s digging through her office attaché, a pen already in hand.
“Yup,” Claire says with pride. “Each of us gets one shot to find Emily her hunky dream man.”
“And if no one finds me this alleged hunky dream man?” I query.
“Then you don’t have yourself a hunky dream man,” Sophie says with ease.
“We can play the game again,” Claire offers.
“I think one shot at this for each of us—for this Operation Blind Date—is enough to start,” Lara says. She withdraws a small, wired pad of paper and sets her case aside. “We don’t need to overwhelm Em more than we already are.” She sends an understanding grin my way.
“All right!” Jackie says. “One guy for each of us. Hmmm. Who should we pick?”
“We don’t have to rush it all,” Robin says calmly. “We don’t want to automatically set her up with a failed shot because we’re moving too quickly. Not to mention, I don’t thin
k all of us are as equipped with the skill set or resources or what-have-you like Jackie to find a suitable match so quickly.”
“I doubt Jackie’s barhop finds are going to be that suitable,” Sophie says with a thick note of sarcasm.
“Hey,” Jackie cries. “She went out with that old co-worker of mine—Matt, wasn’t it?”
I nod. Yes, Matt and I did go out. No, Matt and I did not last very long. Win some, lose some.
“Girls,” Lara says, gaining command of the room once again. “Let’s get serious.” She pens something at the top of the paper. “One man, one blind date, one chance each. Jackie, if that means you find some old co-worker or guy from a bar or whatever, that’s your choice.” She sets the pen down on the pad. “Robin, you think more on what you’ve been considering with Bobby.”
“Definitely,” she says, giving a thumbs up.
“And Sophie? Claire? Certainly the three of us can find someone, too.”
“I’ll need some time to think,” Sophie says. “But, yeah, I think I can find someone.”
“Conner knows guys,” Claire says breezily. “I’ll obviously find someone for you, Em.”
“Emily?” Robin says. She has one hand resting softly on my knee. “You aren’t completely against this, are you?”
“Huh?” I blink a few times. “Uh, well…I wouldn’t say I’m enthusiastic about this idea but…” I look over at Claire. She looks so elated. Her hands are pressed together in a prayer pose, and she’s slightly bobbing, as if she’s about to implode from anticipation and excitement. “Sure,” I eventually say. “Sure, it’ll be a neat experiment I suppose.”
“This is going to be the best game ever!” Claire says.
Jackie passes around the wine bottle, and Sophie offers another helping of cookies.
When Girlfriends Take Chances Page 6
