Page 59 of The One That I Want

‘I don’t want to disappoint Anjali. She has such good intentions and we’resodeep into the lie… Besides, as you said, kissing frogs is helpful, especially for someone like me who’s practically a novice when it comes to love.AndI’ve already drafted the first two articles. Poppy, they’regood– they’re really good – some of the best writing I’ve done in ages.’

Poppy chuckles. ‘It sounds like you don’t need my help getting back on track.’

‘No, I do – or Idid.It helps just talking to you.’

She smiles, then points to herself. ‘Expert listener.’

‘Nowthatwould be a good article forNouveau– the benefits of talking to a therapist.’

She raises her hands in surrender. ‘Count me out. As of today, I’m retiring from all forms of journalism.’

‘Well, back to me then,’ I say, making her smile. ‘So just two more bad dates, then I get to meet Harrison?’

‘That’s the plan. And George and I want to move the fourth date to this week.’

‘Ooh, that means I could be meeting Harrisonsoon.’

‘Yes.’

I bite my lip in anticipation, conjuring his handsome face in my mind. Ever since I imagined him in my flat – and what he would do to me in my flat – just thethoughtof Harrison has the power to flood my body with warmth. Those russet-brown eyes, those broad shoulders, that sexy stubble…

I’ve chastised myself innumerable times for crushing on a man I haven’t met, but Harrison is Poppy’s top pick and I trust her judgement implicitly. I have every reason to believe he will be everything I’m hoping for.

16

GRETA

‘Babes, are you sure you have to go through with this?’ asks Tiggy.

It’s Wednesday night and she’s stretched out on my sofa, intermittently stuffing crisps into her mouth between sips of wine.

‘It’s just two more dates. One bloke called Travis and the other called Ollie.’

She makes a face.

‘What?’

‘I’ve just never liked the name Travis.’

‘It’s not his fault his name’s Travis. He might be a perfectly nice bloke.’

She rolls onto her side, leaning on her elbow, and rests her head in her hand. ‘Isn’t he supposed to be a dud?’

‘That doesn’t mean he’s a bad person – just that he’s not for me,’ I reply, slightly defensive.

‘What isupwith you? Last week, you were all, “Only two more dud dates…” then Sunday, you were calling it off and now you’re back to going on the dud dates. It’s not like you to be so’– she flaps her hand in my direction – ‘flip-floppy. You’re also being defensive.’

‘I’m sorry. It’s just been mad these past few weeks. I’m all over the place.’

‘No shit. I’m ten seconds from calling 999 and reporting a body snatching.’

‘It’s not that bad. It’s just that once I really thought it throughandtalked it over with Poppy, I realised it’s not such a big deal. It’s just two more dates and then I get to meet Harrison.’

‘And there’s that. What if he’s not what you’re expecting? You’ve already told your mum and dad you’re dating him.’

‘To be accurate,youtold them that.’ She stares at me, clearly unimpressed by my semantics. ‘Which I am very grateful for,’ I add.

‘I should think so. If it weren’t for me, you’d be on a date withIantonight.’

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