Page 20 of Third Time Lucky

I nod. I’d say the dirty part was unintended, but Mitzi can occasionally throw shocking things out that surprise me. Like, can she search for a hot young male chef? Jeesh. If she actually hires someone fitting that description, I don’t know what I’ll do.

‘What kind of food?’ Madi asks.

I shrug. ‘No idea. But I’m hoping he comes with a suggestion box.’

‘Jackpot,’ she laughs. ‘Maybe he’ll be cute too?’

‘That’d be a bonus, considering I work from home and have to look at him all day.’

That’s gonna be weird.

I’m a graphic designer who freelances. Dad was thrilled when I told him I was changing my major from pre-law to the arts. That’s a lie. He was so mad. ‘You could offer the world so much more!’he insisted. But did I want to? What’s wrong with what I already offer the world? Nothing – in my mind. Finally, after months of explanation, I got him to understand that my worry-wart nature wouldn’t let a lawyer become one of my personalities. He recoiled and got on board. Anyhow, now I work right from Mitzi’s place and mainly focus on creating visual identities and marketing materials for companies. Boring. But every so often, I get to work on fun projects like designing book covers and album art. That makes up for the rest.

‘Good thinking,’ Madi says in a proud tone. ‘Note to self: start visiting Mitzi more.’ She acts as if she’s writing it down on a pad of paper. ‘Also, take her advice and let the man rub whatever he wants. You deserve it.’

‘Sure,’ I laugh. ‘Nothing weird about three grown women ogling a guy as he cooks for them dreaming of him rubbing things.’

‘Men have been doing it to us for centuries,’ she says. Her gaze suddenly darts from me to something behind me. ‘Speaking of men, that one there seems to have an eye for you.’

I freeze – hoping I disappear. ‘Are you serious? No.’

She cocks her head. ‘Stop acting like you’re some sort of troll right now, Missy. It’s not at all shocking that a man would admire you. You are a catch.’

‘No, I’m not. Though, if catching turds and labeling them my fiancé is a talent, I’d win first place.’

Madi laughs loudly. ‘All I’m saying is you need an outlet. He seems interested, give the guy a joy ride.’

‘Uh…’ I laugh nervously. ‘That’s you joy riding men, not me.’

She nods, not disagreeing at all. ‘And I haven’t been sad in ages. Maybe we should switch personalitiesFreaky Fridaystyle? You use men for your pleasure, and I’ll look for love. Deal?’

‘Ha! No deal. Should I look?’

She shrugs. ‘That’s up to you. If you do, he’s going to think you’re eyeing him back.’

‘He’s staring? At me? Are you sure?’

Madi nods, unable to wipe the goofy smile off her face. ‘He hasn’t looked away since you sat down.’ She sips her drink, acting casually like we’re not speaking of him.

I grit my teeth. ‘Does helooklike a turd?’

‘You think the entire male species looks like turds right now.’ She reminds me. ‘But no time to overthink it because he’s on his way over.’ The words leave her lips quickly, telling me he’s en route as she speaks.

‘Crap!’

‘Hi,’ a male voice to my left says.

Madi and I both sit up straighter as we look up at the man. Tall, dark, and handsome.

‘Hi,’ we say in unison.

He glances between us, his eyes stopping on Madi. ‘I apologize, but I couldn’t help but come over and tell your friend how gorgeous she is.’

His gaze meets mine, and for a second, a flutter of something floats through my chest. It’s been a hot minute since anyone called me gorgeous.

Madi rolls her eyes with a chuckle. ‘Don’t fret, hon. I know how beautiful she is. I’ve got eyes. But definitely you should tell her. She needs to hear it.’

‘You’re beautiful.’ He does as he’s told and smiles wide as he says the words, not even attempting to tear his eyes from me. ‘I’m Tanner.’

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