Page 23 of Cupid Loves Curves

“I’m sure you’ll find someone, Jess. You’re an amazing catch – and you know it.”

I smile half-heartedly and twist my throw blanket in my fingers. “Thanks.”

“You know you are,” Ruby says, more seriously this time. “Don’t be hard on yourself. How are you supposed to know if someone is a match if you don’t take a chance? I still don’t understand why it didn’t work out with you and Luke. I’ve never seen you happier than you were with him.”

I sigh at the mention of Luke. He’s my brother’s best friend and the last man who truly broke my heart. It’s been two years and I’m not sure I’m over him yet. “Don’t remind me. I thought so, too. But he was going through something and never opened up to me. It was like he couldn’t trust me. We didn’t even hit the two-month mark.”

“Yeah, I remember,” Ruby pauses, then looks back at the fancy envelope. “If those are the deets for your mystery date, why haven’t you opened the envelope?” Ruby’s eyes light up.

I grin at her. “It’s,” I inhale deeply. “It seems like such a crazy thing to do. I mean, I’m kind of excited, but I’m also worried I’ll be matched with some guy who lives in his mom’s basement.”

Ruby laughs and nods. “Would a guy like that enter a matchmaking contest? And surely the company vets the people who apply. Come on,” she says, picking up the fancy envelope and passing it to me. “Open it. What if he’s a total dreamboat?”

There’s no hiding the flutter in my stomach at the thought of meeting someone new. “Either way, it’s out of my hands now. Lord knows I’m not doing too well picking them myself.”

“Jess, you’re an amazing woman,” Ruby insists, carefully peeling the wrapper off a cupcake.

“Thanks,” I sigh, but inside, doubt coils tight. I remember Luke—his intense dark eyes, how he made me feel like we had a future…and then the crushing heartbreak. I’ve tried to forget him, but he’s my brother’s best friend, and I can’t avoid seeing him occasionally.

“Hey,” she nudges me gently, her red curls bouncing as she leans in close enough for me to catch the scent of her floral perfume. “This could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Who knows? They might just find your perfect match.”

“Maybe,” I murmur, the word barely louder than a breath. My heart yearns for it to be true—to find someone who sees me, really sees me, and doesn’t turn away.

I take the stiff, cream-colored envelope with my name and address written in a fancy script on the front. It really does look like a wedding invitation. “Okay. Hold on,” I say, getting up to grab a knife from the kitchen to open the envelope.

“This is going to be so good!” Ruby says, rubbing her hands together.

“Here we go,” I say, pulling a piece of thick writing paper from the envelope.

Dearest Jessica,

I am thrilled to announce that you have been selected for our matchmaking event, and we have found a man we think is yourperfect match. Remember, the agreement is that you go on a single date, and if you aren’t one hundred percent sure that the match we’ve selected for you is your perfect match, you will be awarded the cash prize and vacation of your choice.

There will be two parts to the date. For the first part of the date, you and your match will participate in a private cooking lesson at Ciao, Bella! on February 14th. Prepare to work together to create a delicious meal you will both enjoy. Your match has the details for the second part of the date. Formal attire is not required. Wear clothing you are comfortable moving around in. We are confident we have found activities that match both of your interests and strengths. Be prepared to work together!

Instead of wishing you luck (which we don’t think you’ll need!), we wish you the first of many dates with the man we believe is a perfect match for you! We will contact you after your date so you can provide us with an update.

Warmest regards,

The Matchmaker

“Oh my God! Your date is on Valentine’s Day! No pressure, or anything!” Ruby laughs, taking the letter from me and re-reading it. “It sounds like a really cool date.”

I groan and don’t say anything for a moment. “Who in the world thought sending a curvy woman to a cooking class for a first date was a good idea? And on Valentine’s Day!”

Ruby looks at me for a long moment. “What was it you said about trusting someone else to help with your dating life? Obviously, they researched you and the guy so they could choose activities that matched both of you – and you love cooking.”

“Touché. I did have to fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire.” I take the card back from her and look at it again. “But…Valentine’s Day? That’s such a loaded night for a date – especially a first date!”

“This matchmaker sure is confident in her abilities,” Ruby says with a shrug. “You said you were ready to let someone else intervene…and boy is this woman setting you up for a date to remember.”

I grab another cupcake and try to process all my thoughts as we get back to watching our show, commenting on every dress and the bridezilla level of each woman.When will it be my turn to shop for a wedding dress?

After our show ends and Ruby leaves, I take our dishes to the kitchen, pouring a glass of water and leaning against the counter as I sip. My mind drifts to the string of failed relationships from the last few years. There was Jordan, who looked at his phone more than at me; Mark, whose idea of depth was comparing beer brands; and, of course, Luke, whose memory still aches like an old bruise.

“Ugh, not Luke,” I chastise myself, pushing away from the counter with more force than necessary. “This is about moving forward, not looking back.”

I tilt my head, finishing the water in one long gulp. I’ve wanted someone to share my life with for as long as I can remember—a man who loves my curves as much as I do and wants to face the world beside me.

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