Page 38 of Curvy Love

I did all of this for TheZMan, because I’m pretty sure I’m in love with him. And today, after months of exchanges, we’re meeting face-to-face.

I close my eyes and mentally imagine the moment we’ll meet. An alarming image flashes through my mind. Because the face I see in my mind is the ridiculously handsome face of Ezra Carlisle.

“Cheeky bastard,” I mutter.

“Uh-oh,” Willow’s voice sounds from behind me.

“Shit, Will, you scared me.”

“What are you so nervous about?” she asks.

“I’m not nervous.”

Her arms cross over her chest. “Really? Because I could have sworn I heard that terrible British accent you use when you’re nervous.”

“It’s not that bad.”

“You sound like a weird mesh of Mrs. Doubtfire and Margaret Thatcher.”

I snort. “Whatever.”

“You look hot, by the way,” she says, though it sounds like both a compliment and like she’s fishing for information.

“Thank you.” I sit on the edge of my bed and put on my red MaryJane heels.

“So what’s up?”

I blow out a breath. “I’m going to meet him today.”

“Him? Him, as in the guy you’ve been emailing for the last few months and totally crushing on?”

“Yes.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Willow asks.

“I met someone last night and we kinda had a spark. He’s totally not my type though, and I know I’m probably just being ridiculous because he was so stupid hot. And honestly, I’m a little annoyed with myself for even thinking about him when I’m about to meet ZMan.”

Willow frowns. “Who did you meet last night?”

“None other than Ezra Carlisle.”

“Ohh, he’s supposed to be very good looking.”

“No, Will. Good looking is a term you use for the older guy you see in produce section. Good looking doesn’t even begin to cover it. Ezra is so attractive he’s hard to look at. He looks like a male model or a movie star. It’s very annoying.”

“It’s annoying that he’s that attractive?”

“Yes.”

“Is he a horrible, troll of a human being and a blight on humanity?”

“No.” Six months ago, I would have answered differently. But after months of chatting with ZMan, I can’t imagine he’d work for someone who’s a blight on humanity. After meeting Ezra last night, I have to admit he seems like a genuinely nice guy—stupidly hot, but still a nice guy. Not at all the ruthless shark I expected. “No, he seems surprisingly down to earth. Charming, but not slick, ya know?”

“Yes, that does sound super annoying.” Willow nods seriously, then breaks character to swat me on the arm and yell, “Not!”

I blow out a breath. “It’s annoying because I’m supposed to be attracted to ZMan. He’s the person I want to be with.”

“Okay, riddle me this, sister, why does it matter if you found Ezra attractive when you’re going to meet the mystery man. You’re not in a committed relationship with either. Nothing wrong with a few dates to figure out who you like best.”

---