Page 32 of The Love Wager

“Perfectly terrible.” Olivia snorted and said, “It was just so weird how fast he did things with Van. It didn’t even seem like he really loved her,but more like he was forcing it, trying to make it fit.”

I think I was in love with the idea of you, Hallie, instead of who you actually are.

Yeah—she was familiar with the concept. Ben and Jack were of like minds, it seemed.

“But now, I’m thrilled by how things are going. He’s actually trying on the app, and he has you to encourage him. It’s a win-win.”

“For me, too,” Hallie said, and then Olivia launched into a hilarious story about when she and Colin first got together and Jack tried to kick Colin’s ass. After they went back inside, Hallie got the grand tour, and twenty minutes later she and Jack headed back out.

“I hope my sister didn’t grill you,” Jack said, giving her a questioning look.

“She didn’t. She seems great. Although... Idohave to ask you something, and I’m pretty scared of your answer.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Your Ditka comment, coupled with your reaction to the overtime finish we just witnessed, has me seriously terrified that you’re a Bears fan. Say it isn’t so, buddy.”

They debated football as they walked toward her new apartment, and Hallie was disappointed to discover not only was he a Bears fan, but he also liked the Bulls. She could accept a lot of idiocy, but the Chicago Bulls?

Come on.

Thankfully they were both Liverpool fans, so she supposed they found some common ground. Outside her apartment, she pointed to where her balcony was and he pretended he could see it amongst the myriad others in the darkness.

She knew he couldn’t, but it was nice to have someone to dream with.

Chapter

EIGHT

Jack:Good morning, my little number cruncher.

Hallie groaned as she read the text. The one that had woken her up because she’d forgotten to silence her notifications.It’s 5:30 a.m. on a Sunday. Eat glass.

Jack:I just wanted to be the first to wish you a good day.

Hallie:Thanks, asshole.

Jack:Now, now. Also, make sure you visit the app today and search for your next date.

Hallie pictured her speed dating matchups and shook her head, turned on the beside lamp and texted:That sounds awful.

Jack:You go, I go. Let’s do this together, Piper. Mr. Right, the guy who likes you more than anyone else in the world, is out there, just waiting for your little thumb to swipe him just right.

Hallie:Gross. The only way I’m going on another date already is if I can have Taco Hut afterward.

Jack:That is actually a great idea. Let’s plan dates at thespeed dating bar, and if they’re a bust we’ll get tacos after. Cheese on the bottom, of course.

Hallie:Of course.Okay—why does that sound like a good idea? I’m pretty sure there’s a reason this is terrible and I’m just missing it.

Jack:No, it’s genius. Make a connection today, and if a date is on the table, text me and we’ll plan accordingly.

Hallie:Okay.

Jack:Atta girl.

Hallie:Why are you awake so early btw?

Jack:I like to get in a run before work.

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