Page 29 of The Missus

‘It was an intensity. She looked clingy.’

Alanna shook her head at Keira. ‘God forbid you should see a human emotion in your hookups.’

‘Human emotions are perfectly fine. But I don’t want the kind of evening where my date is telling me she wants a nature-themed wedding in the first half hour.’

‘Does that happen?’

‘It most certainly does. And when it does, younevergo there unless you enjoy taking out restraining orders.’

Alanna’s eyes widened. ‘Have you—’

‘Twice.’

Alanna laughed, shocked. ‘What is your life?!’

There was a new picture on the phone now. A woman named Farrah. She was twenty-three. She looked fun. Keira clicked the information button for a bio. Nothing. ‘OK, this one could go either way.’

‘What does it say onyourprofile, out of interest?’ Alanna asked.

‘It says I’m up for casual evenings of fun.’

‘That’s it?’

‘It makes the point it needs to.’

‘Apparently not, orIwouldn’t be here.’

Keira sighed. ‘Look, it’s the disclaimer everyone clicks. Whether or not they listen, they were warned. That’s important to me.’

‘Fair enough. So, Farrah?’

‘No.’ Keira swiped her away.

‘You’re picky.I’dhave swiped right on her,’ Alanna admitted.

Keira half smiled, one dimple popping out. ‘Nothing stoppingyoufrom setting up your own account.’

Alanna shook her head vehemently. ‘No thanks. Not for me.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because I’m not looking for anything.’

‘You don’t have tomarrythem. You realise that, don’t you?’ Keira asked.

Alanna sighed. ‘No judgments but the casual hookup thing is not my cup of tea.’

‘Fine. I’m not pushing. I’d just like to see you shake off that dillweed across the hall.’

‘It’s not about him. I’m happy that’s over. I just think it’s important not to jump out of one thing and into another without learning anything,’ Alanna explained.

Keira smiled dryly. ‘Is that a dig at me?’

Alanna was quick to disagree. ‘Not at all. I respect that you’ve chosen a way to live. You seem comfortable with it. I’m not gonna slam it because it’s not my way.’

Keira looked at her. ‘I take it back, what I said.’

‘Take what back?’