“What a weirdo,” I blurt out. “If you’re with your woman, your phone should be kept away.”

“Jessica would love you,” Evelyn jokes, and my breath catches in my throat.

We spend the next half hour reviewing Jessica’s likes and dislikes, and by the time we’re done, I feel like I’m well-equipped to find her a stellar man. Just as I’m about to tell Evelyn I’m leaving, she’s called out by one of her staff. I pick up my phone and dial Jamie’s number to fill him in on this new development. He picks up on the first ring.

“What’s up, Sean?”

“Where are you?” I ask.

“Home. Why?”

“Uhm…so I developed a plan to help Jessica.”

“Help Jessica?” He sounds panicked. “What’s wrong with her? Where is she?”

I realize I may have started this conversation off in the complete wrong direction and quickly explain. “Hold on. Jessica is fine. I’m talking about her relationship situation. After Jessica and I discussed it yesterday, I figured we should help her find a man.”

Jamie laughs. “It’s not that serious, Sean. Believe me. I think if Jessica actually wanted a man, she would find one.”

“You’re so clueless, aren’t you?” I tut. “She does want a boyfriend; she’s lonely.”

“Really?”

“Yes. And since I'm a dating coach, I can help her.”

“Since when are you a dating coach?” Jamie asks.

“Google it, dummy. I worked as a dating coach on a reality TV show and helped people find their true love. It works.”

“And you think Jessica would agree to this?”

“Leave that to me. Are you in? If we all work together, we can help her.”

“I don’t know.” He sounds unsure. “Jessica is already mad at me over you being her neighbor. If she finds out I helped you—”

“Okay.” I nod, even though I know he can’t see me. “I’ll just tell Evelyn you aren’t interested. Good—”

“Wait—Evelyn is in on this?”

“Yep.”

“Okay. I’m in,” he says, confirming my suspicions about his feelings for Evelyn.

“You’re an idiot.”

“Why?” He sounds confused. “I just told you I’m in.”

I don’t tell him I’m on to him, and I don’t ever plan to unless he decides to come clean with me. “Can you meet me at Sully’s?” The local bar in town will be the perfect location to scout for potential boyfriends. “We have work to do.”

“Uhhh…okay. I’ll meet you there in an hour.”

“Awesome. I’ll see you soon and we will get a plan in motion.” I hang up the phone just as Evelyn walks back in. I know the perfect place to go where all the good men can be found and it’s time to make some friends. “I have to head out, I’ve got some things to get into motion.” I hug Evelyn briefly. “I’ll talk to you later. Don’t forget to call Jessica and talk to her. She has to agree to this. Okay?”

“I’ll do my best.” She waves me off as I head out, my thoughts are already focused on the “Get Jessica a Man” plan and putting it in motion.

Chapter 12

Jessica