Page 31 of The Romance Rivalry

Me:Irene has left the chat

By the end of a couple weeks of what feels like an endless string of brutal dates, like a conveyor belt of questionable sushi going round and round, I’m exhausted. At this rate, I won’t even make it to Thanksgiving. Forced social situations, it turns out, are not my favorite. And I’m no closer to finding a love match than I was before we started. The race for points is tight, however. So I have to remain focused.

The books on my desk in my dorm room remain untouched for now. Shit, I’m so far behind on everything. But as soon as this challenge is over, I swear to myself that I’ll cram as hard and fast as I can on my schoolwork. It’s first semester of freshman year. We’re all new and everyone is going through the growing pains of change, right? We can’t possibly be expected to master everything so soon.

I keep my phone with me at all times. I get a small thrill every time it dings with a new message. Our group chat has moved beyond just dating scores and updates. We share memes and gifs and gossip around campus as well. I feel a part of something. And I like it.

We put an announcement on the calendar for our joint live event after midterms to share with our followers about the dating challenge. Yes, I finally agreed to it. Though I will miss this just being between the four of us.

“What are you doing?” Aiden sets his lunch tray down next to mine and takes a seat at the table. Our little group has started making it a habit to have an early lunch after our morning classes on Mondays.

“I’m searching the student database for billionaires,” I admit, looking up from my laptop screen.

“So it’s come to this, huh?” His eyes have that sparkle in them that makes my heart skip a beat. Must be acid reflux.

“Desperate times,” I say.

“I considered going to one of the on-campus faith groups to see if I could find a ‘clean romance’,” he says, making air quotes. “I mean, if we’re admitting to desperation.”

I laugh and the two of us look at each other, smiles on our faces. For a brief second, I forget that we’re currently in a serious competition to fall in love.

“Told you,” Jeannette says.

“Yup,” Charles says back.

I didn’t even realize they’d sat down.

“What?” Aiden asks, pulling his eyes away from mine.

“Nothing,” Jeannette says.

“Nothing at all,” Charles echoes.

Jeannette:Hey Charles... starting a side text for just the two of us.

Charles:Smart.

Jeannette:These two knuckleheads.

Charles:God, when will they figure it out?

Jeannette:I hope soon. I can’t follow them around these dates anymore. I’m starting to feel like a creeper.

Charles:LOL. Still, it’s kinda romantic, no? Front row seat as it all happens?

Jeannette:YES! Totally.

Charles:Hey, wanna grab dinner tonight? I think they’re working on their Lit project together so we’re probably off duty.

Jeannette:Thank god. Maybe this time alone will enlighten them.

Jeannette:And yes, dinner sounds perfect.

Epigraph

Honestly, is there anything more swoon-worthy than knowing that two people can find their way back to each other for a second chance? I love the notion that despite time and distance, the embers of their love always stayed lit, waiting to burst into flames. Make them each other’s first loves, and I’m a goner. Six out of five stars for Belle and Jake’s book, the best in the series thus far.

—@irene.loves.love.books

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