Page 9 of Should Our Stars Collide

Seriously?!

Giving up, Kieran throws his phone aside. He has more important things to do than obsess over the guy. Like finding a date. Wait—no. Not a date. A hookup. Only hookups from now on.

One thing is clear, though—he’s done with dating apps. While the virtual anonymity might be good for his social anxiety, it will not get him a date.

He goes to his dating profile,his thumb hovering over thedeletebutton. Fuck, he put so much effort into curating that profile. Sure, it doesn’t quite reflect reality, but still!

He never should’ve told Dawson about this. Now he’s gonna keep hearing his nagging voice until he gets rid of the whole thing. The most annoying part is that he knows Dawson is right. But it’s easy for him to pass judgement, he has no clue how hard the dating scene is. Plus, his gay ass would never understand how difficult women can be. Kieran’s life would be so much easier if he were into dick. Guys are simple and so much more easygoing.

Ash’s irritating mug flashes through his mind.

Yeah, okay, some guys are even worse.

With a rueful sigh, he taps thedeletebutton, then confirms that yes, he is sure (he isn’t).

There. A clean slate. Yay…

Now he just needs to meet someone in person. Not scary at all…

2

“Do you need another one?”

Ash offers the tissue box when Jenny keeps sniffling even after blowing her nose for the third time. Not uncommon with first time patients. Plus, Ash is notorious for diving deep right off the bat. Sure, there are times when he switches to his more pampering mode, but it doesn’t happen often. And not in Jenny’s case.

“Thanks.” She plucks another two from the box, dabbing at her swollen eyes. “We’re done, right? Right?!”

Ash snickers. “We’re done.” Is he a sadist? No doubt about that, but it’s all for a good cause. Itis.The fact that he enjoys himself is a whole other thing. “Here, have some water.”

Once she’s all cried out and hydrated, he walks her out.

Dawson is his next one, and Ash finds him already waiting outside. On time, as always. If only all his patients were like this.

Jenny’s blotchy, tear-streaked cheeks turn a shade brighter when she notices Dawson. She lets out a groan, attempting to cover up her face.

“Here I was hoping to get to my car without anyone witnessing my snotty face.”

Standing up, Dawson gives a gentle laugh. “No judgement here. I’ve been there. Actually, I’m still there, almost every session.”

“Oh, shit. Are you telling me this happenseverytime?” she asks with mild horror.

“At this practice? Definitely.” He looks at Ash, his eyes narrowing. “Plus, this one built his whole career on making people cry.”

“Indeed, I did,” Ash admits, smiling at Jenny when she lets out a bark of laughter. “Take it easy today, okay?”

“Oh, I will. Fuck keto diet. I’m treating myself to hot chocolate.”

“I approve of this plan,” Ash says. “If you haven’t been there yet, look upLost and Groundcafé. I promise that after you’ve had their stuff, you’ll forget all about the jerk who made you cry.”

“Sounds like exactly what I need. Thanks.” She sniffles. “Oh, by the way, do you wanna see a picture?”

Said picture is likely referring to the ex-boyfriend who is the whole reason she’d sought out Ash’s services in the first place.

She’s already swiping through the gallery, so saying ‘no, thanks’ would be redundant.

“You can show me, but I won’t comment on—” The phone is thrust in front of his face. “Jenny, what the fuck?”

“What?”