Page 34 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

I’ve almost finished the wine in my glass when a bell rings. It’s my first time at such an event, but I presume it signifies the event is about to start. As the thought crosses my mind, a door opens, and I see Jamie leading a line of men into the room. I sit up straighter, fidget with my dress and take a deep breath. I can do this. The men take seats across from each woman, and I smile at the one that sits across from me. His mouth curves into a smile, a dimple peeks out and I see laugh lines around his eyes.

“Hi.”

“Hello.” I hold out my hand. “My name is Jessica. Jessica Stewart.”

He shakes my hand for a bit and then lets go. “Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. My name is Owen.”

Owen is a handsome guy with dirty blonde hair and a charming smile. I can tell he finds me attractive, and it reduces my nerves and helps me to relax.

“I’ve never done this before, so I’m kinda blank.” I instantly regret admitting that.

Why did I just tell him that? I should have kept that information to myself. Sean will have my head!

“Don’t sweat it,” Owen says gently. “Let me take over the conversation; maybe that’ll help?”

I take the suggestion gratefully. “Thank you, Owen.”

“I don’t have much experience myself,” he flashes another lovely smile. “But events like this are a fun way to meet people. Especially for an introvert like me.”

I nod. “Oh, yes. I agree with that, too. I wouldn’t call myself an introvert, per se. But I love to keep to myself, especially in a public setting.”

“I guess we’re alike in that aspect.” He chuckles, and I smile. It’s a real one and Owen seems like a genuinely lovely person.

“So Jessica, what do you do?” He asks.

“I’m a writer. I write thrillers, you know, just the nerdy stuff.”

“I’m pretty much a nerd myself,” Owen laughs. “As a software engineer, my friends call me a computer geek.” I laugh with him. It’s easy to laugh with him.

“That’s hard to believe; you don’t look like a geek.”

“Oh, yeah?” Owen lowers his lashes. “How so?”

“There’s a stereotype for the geeks and nerds,” I play along. “You don’t fit.”

“Well, look who's talking?” He bats his lashes at me playfully, earning a giggle. “You’re not the regular brand of nerd either.”

“Oh, come on.” I want to reach for the wine glass and down the rest of the liquid, but it’d be rude since Owen doesn’t have a drink.

“So, tell me,” Owen starts. “Are you looking for friendship? A romantic relationship? Which one?”

“Uhh–” The question throws me off balance because it is unexpected, but I want to answer as honestly as possible. “I’m looking for a relationship. I have plenty of friends.”

Owen laughs. “I’m also looking for a relationship,” he says thoughtfully. “Friendships are also welcome. I sit in front of my computer screen all day; I hardly have time for a social life.”

“Trust me. I understand.”

He’s about to respond when the bell rings, signaling the end of the round. Owen slowly rises to his feet.

“I had a wonderful time, Jessica Stewart,” he says. “I hope to see you again?”

He leaves the question open and moves ahead. I pick up my scorecard, eager to rate him. I enjoyed my date with him, however short. Though I’m not quite sure he’s what I need right now. He rubs me as someone who can be a good friend to me, but not necessarily a boyfriend.

I look up from my card as someone sits across the table from me, a ready smile on my face. Owen already started me off well, so I’m hopeful I'll enjoy the rest of the night. I meet with two other men after Owen, but by the time the bell rings for a break, I’m almost at the end of my patience. I quickly leave the table and find my way to the counter. I request my favorite snack, along with a strawberry daiquiri mocktail. As I sit on the stool to eat, Evelyn appears beside me, a broad smile on her face.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” She asks, her eyes alight with exhilaration.

“Why do you look more excited than me? I eye her suspiciously, slicing my cupcake and taking a bite.

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