Page 38 of The Singles Club

And they werereallybeautiful lips.

Yummy. Warm. Soft.

I gulped down the flattening bubbles, remembering that kiss and the image of fireworks.

Get your mind off it, Viv, because it’s never happening again.

After about five more minutes, he read it over and set the laptop on the coffee table. “Finished.”

“May I read it?”

“Of course. You’re my dating coach, after all.”

I sat down next to him and pulled the computer closer. Not too long. A good thing.

I know these profiles are usually about selling yourself, revealing the best qualities you have to offer to a potential mate, but I feel something gets lost in all of that. Love isn’t a resume or list of achievements and interests (that ridiculously long questionnaire we had to fill out should take care of all that stuff anyway).

I have a good life, and I’m happy, but there is one thing missing: a person to share it with. As Elizabeth Barrett Browning once said, "Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

If this speaks to you at all, then let’s get to know each other better the old-fashioned way and see what comes of it.

- Justin

My heart stilled at his words, and that cozy warm feeling came over me again. “Wow.”

“You like it?”

“It’s perfect, and it fits you.”

“Alright, time to put myself out there in cyberspace.” He went to click the submit button, and I fought back the urge to stop him. He let out a long breath. “Done.”

I pulled at my necklace, fiddling with the charm. “You can start searching other profiles.” My words came out in an unintended whisper. “If you want.”

“Maybe later.” He shut his laptop. “If you don’t have plans, you’re welcome to stay for dinner. Maybe watch a movie?” The way he bumbled his words, almost like an awkward teenage boy, was weirdly sexy and adorable. I had the deepest desire to kiss him right then and there.

But I needed to keep this one in the friend zone.

“As tempting as that sounds,” and it wasverytempting, “I have a Singles Club meetup tonight.”

“And what do you do at these meetups? Complain about men and the societal pressures of love and marriage?”

“No, it was really meant to be about the bonds of friendship, where men or significant others are not the focal points of our night.”

Although that had changed in the last couple of months, which was mostly my fault.

“You can’t have that bond with married people or those in serious relationships?”

A loud “Ha!” burst out of me. “Marrieds, in particular, are unbearable. If they are still in their honeymoon phase, all they want to talk about is their spouse. If they’re deep in the marriage, all they do is try to get you to join them like it’s some cult or there’s something seriously wrong with you if you don’t want to be as miserable as they seem.”

Justin laughed hearty and deep. “Point taken.” He tapped his laptop. “So, when is our next coaching session?”

“You find someone who sparks your interest and ask them out on a date. Once you do that, we’ll meet and get you ready.”

Justin’s face went a little paler, and he looked about ready to throw up.

I gently placed my hand on his arm. “You need help with the asking part?”

“No, getting dates was never my problem… it’s the date itself that I have trouble with.”