Page 18 of Unlikely Match

The way she was analyzing colors in the gallery with the huge paintings. The way she was fussy about that one singer's voice – and she was right, even through the floor I could hear he was trying to sing out of his range. The way she always puts herphone in the outside pocket of her purse at the exact same angle, so she can grab it quickly.

The way she makes me feel.

I've never put much thought into picturing my dream girl, because I wasn't sure she existed. Then Dora seemed to conjure her out of her computer system just like that.

Jewel makes me feel brighter. Happier. I've never laughed as much as I did last night.

Glancing across the room, I groan. The clock is moving way too slowly. Since Dora was probably up late dealing with the contest, I make myself wait until noon to contact her.

When I finally call her, after my second scrambled egg sandwich and third espresso, she initially makes a few unhappy noises about giving out the personal information of one of the contestants. When I point out that I already know Jewel's home address, but that sending a text first before going over would be more polite, she relents.

I don't agonize over what to say, but keep it simple.

Me: Jewel, this is Alex. May I please take you out to dinner tonight?

I try to distract myself with work emails during the twenty minutes it takes her to answer.

Jewel: Can't leave. Nick needs me to look after Noah while he takes care of Brandy.

Me: Of course, sorry. How is she doing?

Jewel: Better, I think. Probably semi-knocked out for a day or so.

Me: May I call you tomorrow, to catch up?

Those three dots hover for way too long. I hate that she has to think so hard about wanting to talk to me.

Jewel: Maybe Monday. Gotta go.

Damn.

I hope Jewel isn't freaking out.

It just about kills me, but I wait until Sunday afternoon to send her a photo of my blank bedroom wall beside the window.

Me: This is where I was thinking your drawings would go. Maybe the light changing over the course of the day could be interesting?

Jewel doesn't respond, which sends fear prickling up my spine. She can't think that our one date was it for us.

Unless… My blood runs cold, my entire condo suddenly feeling icy. Did we not click as well as I thought? I'm completely convinced that Jewel is the one for me. She's the only woman I've ever truly begun falling in love with.

But maybe it was purely physical for her, and she doesn't feel the same way.

And without the goal of winning the contest, maybe she doesn't need me in her life.

What will I do then?

11

JEWEL

The entire weekend is spent cooking, cleaning and taking extra special care of Noah, who misses his mommy. It helps, actually. It means I can't think as much.

By the time I finish my usual babysitting stint on Monday afternoon, Brandy is completely better and full of energy. "I'm so sorry I was sick this weekend," she says, taking Noah from my arms. "We'll make it up to you."

"Oh, don't worry about it. You've been so good to me, it's the least I can do."

She smiles. "Maybe you should take a walk, get some fresh air? No offense, but you're looking a bit pale."

---