Page 2 of Why Not Both?

“I can get the bill,” he says.

“I insist.” I set a few bills on the table. No way am I letting him pay. “That should be enough for my meal. I had a great time.”

I grab my jacket and leave the restaurant, calling Daze back as soon as I’m outside.

“I just want to go home and sit in a hot bubble bath and feel sorry for myself.”

“Amaryllis Stone. Did you or did you not shave your legs for this date?”

I wince. I hate it when she full-names me. “I shaved everything.”

“Exactly. You primped and prepped for tonight. Just because the date wasn’t worth it doesn’t mean the night won’t be. Sophie and I are already heading out the door. You’re coming with us even if we have to drag you kicking and screaming.”

I roll my eyes. I know they’ll do it, too. “Where are we going?” I ask, resigned. “Should I call an Uber or can I walk? Reminder: I’m wearing three-inch heels.”

My twin laughs. “Where are you?”

We settle on our favourite place, which is conveniently close to home, but far enough from me that I decide to take an Uber. On the drive, I delete the dating app off my phone with a sigh. I’d gone onto the app about ten months ago after a three-year hiatus from dating. My last relationship had crashed and burned in a raging inferno that had almost taken my career with it. I’d finally decided to try again, but this online stuff just wasn’t worth it.

By the time I arrive at the bar, Sophie and Daze are already there. It’s still somewhat early, so we get inside and find a booth. After our drinks arrive, I tell them about what Grant said. Sophie starts howling with laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks, drawing looks from other tables.

“Fuck, Lis! I did my mascara and now it’s ruined.”

Daze looks at her with such fondness that my heart aches. “You still look beautiful, hon.”

Sophie smiles and then asks, “So, back to the drawing board? Or message board?”

“Nope. That’s it for me. I already deleted the app. I need a break from the online dating game. In fact, I think I need a break from the whole fucking thing. I’m starting my dream job on Monday and I’m just going to focus on that.”

“Okay,” Daze says. “I get it. But. What if. We’re sitting here, minding our own business, and the man of your dreams walks up to you and is smoking hot and asks you to dance. Are you going to say no?”

I roll my eyes. “If some smoking hot guy comes up to me and asks me to dance, I will say yes. Happy?”

Daze grins. She lifts her glass and I clink my strawberry daiquiri against it. “Ecstatic.” Then she sobers. “Seriously, Lis. I know you want to find someone to love. But you don’t need someone.”

“I know that. I just want what you guys have.”

Sophie nudges me with her shoulder. “Your problem is you’re batting for the wrong team,” she says, waggling her eyebrows.

I flutter my eyelashes at her and she laughs. Then I heave an exaggerated sigh. “I wish. But I’d miss the D too much.”

Chapter 2

Spencer

“Here’s to the last free Saturday before wedding season,” Derek says, raising his beer. Adalie and I clink with him.

“Here’s to best friends, and another year in the black,” Adalie says next, and we toast again.

“And here’s to ex-girlfriends who absolutely did us a favour,” I say, for our final toast.

Sitting at a table with two of my three best friends, I feel more relaxed than I have in a long time. The only thing that would make it better is if Vic, the final member of our fantastic foursome, had decided to come out as well. But she’d wanted to be her usual workaholic self and stayed at Blue Vista, the event venue we all run together, going over schedules and finances. Granted, it’s the beginning of our busiest season, and our cook just left us for greener pastures, but it’s all under control.

“So, Spencer, who are you going to take home tonight?” Derek asks, scanning the crowded bar.

Adalie and I both groan at his question. Derek is always such a man whore.

“Don’t be a dick,” I say. “I never said I was taking anyone home.” But I look around the bar as well. I won’t say no to finding a beautiful woman to dance with, should one be interested.

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