Page 1 of July
1
Charity
Ican’t believe I allowed Summer to talk me into coming to this ridiculous meeting. She’s just so darn friendly and convincing that I couldn’t say no to her. But the last thing I need in my life right now is a man. They bring nothing but heartbreak and regret. I learned that the hard way.
The other ladies at the large table look lively as they titter with excitement over who this month’s bachelor might be. Summer wouldn’t give me any clues about him––other than vouching for his character and saying that she thought he was my type.
I don’t have it in my heart to break it to her, but I don’t have a type. Her older brother, Garrett, ruined me for other men. Once you’ve been with the perfect man, it’s impossible to settle for anything less. But Garrett is married, so that ship sailed long ago. I want to forget him and move on, but my stupid heart can’t seem to comply with that simple request.
As more women crowd around the table, the leader, Phoebe, announces, “We are outgrowing the space at the table, so if all of the women who have already been matched could move over here, we’d appreciate it.”
Phoebe indicates a large table adjacent to ours that has a ‘Reserved’ placard on it. Several women get up to move. When Summer turns to grab her purse, I latch on to her upper arm and hiss, “Don’t leave me here alone. I don’t know anyone.”
“You will,” she says mysteriously before hopping off her chair and going to join the table of happily matched ladies.
I must look like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car because the perky woman on the other side of me introduces herself. “Hi, I’m Holly, and I’m new here, too.”
“Hi, Holly. I’m Charity.” I give her a genuine smile, thankful for the extroverts in the world, who always seem to find me right when I need them.
“I love that name,” she beams a wide, pretty smile in my direction. Leaning toward me, she says, “I was really nervous about coming here tonight. I’ve helped some of the previous months’ bachelors pick out engagement rings at the jewelry store where I work, but I don’t really know anyone here.”
I nod before pointing out Summer as she laughs with the other already-matched ladies at her table. “I only know her, and she just bailed on me.”
“Well, I’ll be your friend,” Holly offers warmly. She whispers conspiratorially, “I hope one of us is this month’s match. It’s high-time I had a hunky man by my side to keep me company. Besides, it’s no fun being stuck at the kids’ table. I want to join the giddily-in-love table.”
I nod as if I agree, even though I really don’t. I have absolutely no desire to be matched, and it will make a long evening for me, if my new friend is matched and leaves on a date.
The hands on my shoulders startle me. I jump and smack at the presumptuous jerk, who felt like he could approach me from behind and grab me. Since the man is leaning down to speak to me as I react, the back of my hand connects with his nose.
He brings his hand to his face and glares out at me over it as if I have gravely injured him––or more likely his pride. From behind his palm, he mumbles, “I was just going to say how delighted I am to see you here tonight.”
“Garrett?” My mouth falls open as I stare up at him. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was you. I thought a stranger was groping me. What are you doing here?”
“I’m this month’s bachelor.” He drops his hand to give me a proud smile before adding, “And I hope you’re my match.”
“I thought you were married,” I say quietly, sounding as bewildered as I feel.
“Not anymore,” he whispers.
My heart hammers in my chest as the world swirls before me. Even though my vision is blurry, I catch a glimpse of Garrett’s sister, Summer. She gives me an enthusiastic thumbs-up as if this is working out exactly as she had hoped. I glare at her––not quite able to believe she would do this to me.
July’s bachelor is the one-and-only Garrett Flynn. The man who shattered my heart beyond repair––twice.
Feeling the oncoming panic attack, I rush to stand up. Over my shoulder, I say to my new friend, Holly, “I have to go.”
