Page 5 of Blind Date

I suppose it doesn’t help that I haven’t exactly had a good track record when it comes to guys. I have been in two relationships that I would consider long term, one for seven months, one for five, which I suppose wouldn’t be the longest for other people but with Ollie who I met in college, it just fizzled out in to nothingness, the chemistry wasn’t anywhere near strong enough to keep it going, so we just kinda ghosted one another, and Anthony who came a couple of years ago who swept me off my feet with promises of long term love, a happy ever after, but who in the end turned out to be married, leading to a very awkward encounter with his wife. I was blamed by her even though I didn’t know anything about it, and I also found out that I wasn’t the only one who he was having an affair with. I didn’t see it coming which is why I don’t trust myself any longer. Myself or men, so I don’t need them in my life any longer. Roman just reminds me that they are all pricks.

“What was that about?” Paige laughs and rolls her eyes, dismissing what a prick Roman is. “Anyway, thank you for coming, Gemma. It means a lot to have you here. Have you bid on the silent auction yet? We have some of the best prizes ever this year. Some pretty quirky ones as well. I’m sure that you will love them…”

I don’t know about quirky prizes but there is no need to put Paige down in that respect. She has clearly worked very hard to make this night as incredible as it is, and she should be rewarded for that.

“I have sent Eve to do it for me.” I smile at my friend. “She will make sure that I win something so that I donate more than I originally gave you. You know how much I want to support you.”

“You are a good friend, seriously.” Paige nods a few times. “Thank you, Gemma.”

We talk for a little while, before I let Paige know that I need to go. She has seen me now; she knows that I have done my part so there is absolutely no reason for me to stick around. I’m pretty sure that I have lost Eve for the night anyway. She must have found one of her friends or a cute guy to chat to. She hasn’t brought me my drink, not that I mind. This is often what happens anyway. She can claim whatever prize I win at the auction on my behalf because I am done with the testosterone fueled atmosphere surrounding this place. It isn’t for me.

Once I escape the building, I let out a breath of relief, glad to be done with that for the year. It’s over now, the Romans and Daniels of the world will only be in my life in the board room and that’s where I can take them down with ease. That’s where I shine, and they fall. And this year, I will destroy them. More than usual.Chapter 3 – DanielWe take our seats for the silent auction winners to be announced and I have to admit that I am seriously excited about it. There is an air that anything can happen and it’s a lot of fun. Everyone seems to be able to feel it, there is an under tone of childish fun floating through the room, and I can’t wait to see what I get.

“What did you bid on?” Leanne, the sexy French intern for one of the other companies being represented tonight asks me in her wonderful raspy voice. The foreign twang only makes it even more exciting to me.

“Ooh, lots of things.” I shoot her a playful wink. “A vacation to Hawaii, I remember that one…”

“That will be a holiday for two, will it not?” Her eyes shine with excitement. “Maybe you will need someone to come along with you? I have a lot of brand-new bikinis that haven’t seen the light of day yet.”

I smile but don’t promise her anything. A weekend break is something that a guy does with a girlfriend. If I do win Hawaii, then I will need to make my intentions for the trip very clear before I invite anyone. Leanne is incredibly beautiful and a lot of fun too, but she’s much too young to be considered seriously. She is twenty-one years of age which I know will end up in immaturity in a relationship. I don’t need that. I am already inexperienced in love; I don’t want my first time to be with someone who isn’t really invested.

“This is fun, isn’t it?” Leanne slides her chair closer to me and clings to my arm. “I’m enjoying it.”

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