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“I think you mean ‘match’, Owen. And even drunk, you’re very perceptive.”

“Spill.” He leans over and tries to touch the buttons for the radio, but I have to push him back. I don’t need Drunk Owen to decide on the station.

Where do I begin?

“Well, the first date I ended up in the pond where the swan boats go, with Kenzie. So that was wet.” And really fun. “Then the second date was earlier today. We went to the aquarium.”

“You and Kenzie?” Owen asks. The guy barely has his eyelids open and he’s firing off these questions. No wonder he makes such a good nurse.

“No, Kenzie and I have not dated. She just doubled with me on the first date.”

He grins. “But you want to date her?”

I shake my head, trying not to smile too wide. “I’d be open for a date. I’ve got two more dates to get through first.”

“You sound like that’s a bad thing.”

“Well, I was so distracted during the date this morning that I barely interacted with my date. She was super nice and we had a lot in common, but I feel bad that I didn’t focus on her and give her more of a chance.”

“So, call it off. Be done with the matchmaking.”

I flip the turn signal and turn onto Owen's street. “We signed a contract. I have to finish.”

“Well, make things interesting. If you’re going on dates, you might as well have some fun with it.”

I think back over the dates we’ve had so far. They’ve been tame, with the boat ride and a walk through the museum. Kind of boring, to be honest. Sure, they’re great ideas every once in a while, but I need a bit of adventure and some spontaneity.

“That’s a great idea, Owen. I’ll have to mix it up on the next date.”

I drop him off at his house and sit in the driver’s seat for a minute, reflecting on the day. It’s been a long one, but more mentally than physically. I’m used to it being the opposite.

My phone screen shows a notification from Kenzie and I end up dropping my phone as I try and pick it up from my console. Once I pick it up, I open the message.

Kenzie:Recap sounds great, but my brother is bringing his truck over to my dad’s place to haul some stuff for me.

2 hours later

Kenzie:How was your date?

Kenzie:What time was your date?

1 hour ago

Kenzie:Did you fall into one of the tanks and get maimed by one of the sharks?

I’m laughing so hard at her words. The casual questions that escalate to injuries and blood so quickly.

Me:It was around noon. It was good.

Me:Sorry, I had to go rescue Owen from a minor bender.

I put my phone down and start driving, ready to shower and then fall into bed and sleep. There’s some light traffic that makes the drive slower than I want it to be, but I make it home to see another text from Kenzie.

Kenzie:It’s good to know you survived the fish. Hopefully Owen is okay.

Kenzie:Who’s Owen again?

That gets me laughing even harder. Once I settle down, I call her.