Page 8 of Electric Blue Love
“And what’s in it for you?”
“Let’s just call it a service project. It’s been awhile since I’ve helped anyone but myself.”
Too tired to question the sanity of letting a near stranger help me, I did exactly what he’d asked. I told him nearly everything I knew about Todd. At two in the morning when my eyes were so heavy I couldn’t keep them open any longer, we finally said goodnight and I went to bed exhausted, but hopeful.
The next afternoon, I was making a list of all the things I’d already learned from Court when Tasha got home. We decided on tacos instead of pizza and then settled in front of the TV to watch a cheesy horror film. Tasha had a thing for them and I cared more about her company than what we watched to protest.
“Have you heard from Todd?” she asked around a mouthful of taco.
I shook my head and finished chewing before I spoke. “No, nothing.”
“He’s such an idiot.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what his problem is.”
“He’s not an idiot.”
Tasha gave me an “Are you kidding me?” look. “I know you two are friends, or whatever, but he’sactinglike an idiot. Either that or he’s purposely stringing you along. Even I can see that he’s totally into you. I don’t understand why he doesn’t make a move. Maybe you should take matters into your own hands.”
“What, like ask him out?”
“Why not?”
“No way. I’m not going to be one of those girls that throws myself at him. And not because I’m universally opposed to women asking men out, but that’s exactly the kind of women he’s used to, and I see how easily he discards them. I don’t want to be a one-night stand.”
“So, what’s the plan?” she asked.
Tasha knew me too well. Of course, I had a plan.
“Well, I found a sort of mentor?”
Her eyebrows lifted.
“So,” I started, shifting so my feet were under me on the couch, “on the flight back yesterday I was sitting next to a guy and somehow we got on the topic of dating and I briefly mentioned my current frustration with Todd and he gave me some advice.” I avoided her eyes, certain she could see right through the sugar-coated version of the story.
“That is totally random but continue. What was his advice?”
“He told me to make a point to talk to him at the party and to dress sexy but not slutty.”
“And? That’s it?” she asked as unbelievingly as I had.
“That was pretty much it, but I sort of drunk dialed him last night after it didn’t work.”
“Oh my God, you called some strange man you met on a plane? How did you get his number? This is sounding more screwed up than this movie.” She motioned toward the TV and then shoved the last bite of taco into her mouth.
I stood and crossed the room to my planner. I pulled out his business card and handed it to her. “He gave me this on the flight and told me to contact him if I needed more advice.”
“This is insane,” she said, but smiled as she read his name. “Court Adams, Senior Risk Analyst at Harrison and Mac. Fancy.”
“He seemed nice. Anyway, I made a total ass of myself, but we ended up talking most the night – or morning, rather.”
“This guy has got to be into you.”
“No, it’s not like that. I think he just feels sorry for me or something. I told him about Todd and he gave me some rules.”
Tasha snorted. “Rules?”
“More like principles, I guess.” I shook my head. “Mock all you want, but I am going to win Todd over by following these,” I said holding up my planner.
“Let me see that.”
