Page 28 of Clean Out of Luck

But I did do my research on this guy, and he seems normal—decent, even. His background check came up clean. He’s an architect at a company in town and has zero criminal history besides a parking fine. Because while I might not be my parents or my brother, I do have a strong sense of self-preservation, and if I’m going out with a stranger, I’m going to do a background check.

Luckily, when I texted Lilly, my best friend, aboutmatching with someone on Swipe Rite, she knew who he was through a mutual acquaintance. She promised me that he is nice in person and assured me I would probably hit it off with him. I figure I need to meet as many men as possible to narrow down my choices.

Lilly is my little fairy godmother when it comes to helping me find true love. She’s a romantic at heart and is sure there is someone for everyone.

I don’t know if I believe that myself because that would mean my person is hiding really well.

My phone chimes with a text from Wade.

WADE

You ignored me earlier.

SCARLETT

Did I hurt your feelings?

WADE

I think you’re a class-A stinker, Scooter.

SCARLETT

You don’t want to know what I think about you right now.

I grin as I send off that last text.

WADE

What are you doing tonight?

SCARLETT

Going on a date.

I pocket my phone and grab my purse, ready to go meet my date. I finish with a gloss spray on my hair and opt for paper bag shorts and sandals with a light sweater in case it’s chilly when I get home.

While I love my bike, sometimes it’s nice to be able towalk places. It’s easier to keep my clothes from wrinkling if I’m not sitting on a bike seat.

Because my date is really into reading, same as me, he asked if I’d like to meet him at Novel Notions. It’s a cute little bookstore right around the corner from The Serendipity. I have to limit the frequency of my trips, because otherwise I would spend all my time and money there.

As far as first dates go, it’s a brilliant spot.

Maybethisis the guy.

It’s a pleasant evening for a stroll, and I leave from the side exit out of my apartment. I don’t want to get stuck talking with someone in the building, and luckily, I have my own private exit from the basement. The concrete stairs dump me in the pocket park right next to The Serendipity. It’s a quiet little park with a few benches and some nice plants. I don’t even know who manages the park, but I like leaving this way when I’m not feeling very people-y. I need to save my rudimentary conversation skills for my date.

When I walk into Novel Notions, I scan the area and don’t see my date anywhere. I let out a breath and make my way to the display table. I always enjoy seeing what the bookstore recommends. I tend to lean toward historical fiction and autobiography, but I spot a fantasy book series on the display table.

The covers are beautiful. Maybe I could have them sit on my shelf for a while until I’m brave enough to read them.

My phone chimes, and I set the book down to read the text.

PHOENIX

Wade told me you’re going on a date.

SCARLETT

---