Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Love you. Call me on your way home.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Goodbye.”
I end the call, turn off the ringer, and shove my phone into my purse.
My heart pounds as things get very, very real. I take a deep breath and give my teeth and nose a quick check for food and boogers—a fear I picked up from my mother—and then open the door.
The air is balmy and scented with spices as I step onto the asphalt. I lock the door behind me and navigate the cars worth more than some small countries. All the while, I remind myself that there’s nothing to worry about.
This is going to be fun.
“You look stunning,” Myla says, her red curls bouncing as she steps toward me. “I absolutely love that dress.”
“Thank you.” I stand a little taller, her words building my confidence. “I took way too long picking it out. I had it down between this and an icy blue number that I’m obsessed with. But I watched this woman on Social explain color wheels and how to dress for your season, and icy blue isn’t in my preferred color palette and now I have second thoughts every time I put it on.”
Myla laughs. “I’ve seen those videos. Is it narcissistic to think I look the same in all of them? I’m not saying I look good in them. I’m just saying they all look the same.”
“I had to get Sutton to tell me which one I am, so no judgment here.”
Her grin is warm and disarming. I appreciate it.
“Do you have any questions for me?” she asks, fastening an audio pack to the back of my dress. “We’ve already been inside and fitted your table and the surrounding area with cameras and microphones. They’re all discreet, so you shouldn’t notice them. Gary is on the other side of the door and will follow you as you ‘meet’ Ripley. Be warned that the camera will roll as soon as you walk in.”
“No pressure.”
“No pressure.” She winks. “A man named Adam will be standing at the host stand. He knows who you are and will usher you to the table. Ripley is already inside and waiting.”
Of course, he is.
“Just remember that you and Ripley don’t know each other,” she says. “You’re meeting here for the first time after being matched based on your search history. Aim for an easy conversation and take some time getting to know each other. You don’t have to dig in too deep right off the bat.”
I sense the apprehension in her tone. I can’t blame her. Besides seeing our interaction last week, I’m sure Sutton filled her in on our typical exchanges. Someone had to explain.
“And avoid bloodshed, right?” I ask, hoping to make her relax.
Myla sighs in relief. “I’d love that. Although, if we skewed the concept, we might have a different show on our hands.”
I laugh.
She steps back and looks me up and down. “You’re a knockout, have confidence in spades, and you’re funny. You’re going to do great. Remember that we’ll do a quick confessional after you’re done this evening before you leave.”
“Can’t wait.”
“I’m excited to see how it goes. Good luck, Georgia.”
“Thanks.” I take a deep breath and turn to the giant man at the door. “How are you this evening?”
He nods and opens the door. I have to stop myself from saying, “I’m fine, thanks for asking” because he explicitly didn’t ask.
“Here goes nothing,” I mutter, entering the restaurant.
Thanks to years of working in broadcasting, my instincts kick in, and I focus my attention on Adam. Gary stands just out of my periphery with a camera catching my every move.
Breathe.
“Welcome to Ruma,” Adam says, his posture perfect. “How are you this evening?”
“I’m great, thank you. How are you?” I ask, wondering if Baldy is still behind me. He should take notes.
“Very well.” Adam smiles. “Please, follow me.”
Shoulders back. Keep a pleasant look on your face. Don’t start wondering if the back of your dress is hiked up your ass.
Adam leads me through an arched doorway.
Act natural.
We pass quietly through the restaurant, and I notice its beauty. Dark wood and brass hardware give the space a true elegance. Deep reds, warm golds, and rich browns and blacks create a cozy yet regal ambiance. Even the other patrons are beautiful.
It’s no wonder Ruma gets so much press. It’s a total vibe.
We turn a corner, my heels tapping against the hardwood floors, when my gaze lands on Ripley. My steps falter.
Holy shit.
He stands slowly when he sees me coming, unfolding his long, lean body from the table. His wide smile showcases his perfectly straight, white teeth. His baby blue eyes are bright and clear, twinkling in the light. I’d think he was happy to see me if I didn't know better.
But, of course, I do know better.
A dark, well-tailored suit fits him like a glove. A crisp white shirt lays beneath his jacket with the top button undone. He’s dapper and dashing—and I can’t even say anything mean to knock him down a few pegs.