Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
I raise my brows. “I don’t know about all that, plus the closest town is pretty small. Slim pickings.” We went to town a couple of times. It’s cute, but there’s not much to it.
“But it could be fun.” She wiggles around in her seat. “Just a tiny little peek.”
“Fine,” I agree as Ro enters the kitchen.
“How is there anything left for you to buy?” he asks, setting a pile of packages down.
“You’ve got to use it or lose it,” Teddy tells him.
“I think using your money is how you lose it,” I tell her with a small laugh. She shrugs. “Whatever is in those boxes better not be for me.” Teddy looks everywhere but at me. The ceiling, the window, her own fingernails.
“Teddy.”
“Okay, so hear me out—”
“When have you ever loved to shop?” I cut her off.
“For food!” She throws her hands up. “I love shopping for food. This is just... food for the closet. And the bathroom. And the—”
“Fine.” I hold up my hands in surrender. If it makes her happy. I can donate stuff later if need be.
I pull out my phone and check my emails. It’s the only account I have left that I didn’t delete, and I know Tristan has this email, but like always, there’s nothing, and I hate myself that I keep checking it. I should delete it too, but I’m not there yet.
“So. The dating app.” Teddy eyes my phone. “Can we?” She is about to bounce out of her seat.
“She will, won’t you, Lily?” I turn my head, and Killian is still standing there. How I forgot his giant ass, I have no clue. Fucker is freaky quiet. Killian is down for whatever makes Teddy light up.
“Yeah, sure.” What else am I doing? It might be entertaining. I don’t have to go on anything. This is like sticking a tiny pinky toe into the water to test it. I do have to admit, her squeal of excitement is kind of worth it. It makes me smile, but it’s hard not to with Teddy. She even wakes up that perky.
“Search for dating apps and pick the first one that pops up. That’s how you know it’s popular.”
I type “dating apps” into the search bar. The first result loads immediately: Natsirt. Clean logo, simple interface, millions of downloads. Sounds good enough.
“This one,” I say, tapping it.
Teddy peers over my shoulder as it downloads. “Natsirt. Weird name. But okay. Let’s see it.”
The app opens to a profile creation screen. I fill it out, Teddy dictating half the answers, both of us dissolving into laughter at how ridiculous it all is. Okay, this is kind of fun.
Fluent in: sarcasm.
Second language: brunch menus.
My toxic trait is thinking I can cut bangs at home.
“Hey, I thought you killed the bangs.” I’d cut blunt bangs after being here a few days. I don’t know what came over me, but I’m kind of liking them.
“Perfect,” Teddy breathes. “You’re going to get so many matches.”
“With this bio?” I was more having fun and being silly.
“Because of this bio.” She bumps my shoulder. “Now strike a pose.”
“Vogue, vogue,” I sing and smile; Teddy snaps a picture.
“Let your body move to the music.” Teddy snaps a picture.
“Hey, hey, hey,” I sing back. “Come on, vogue.”
“What is a vogue?” Killian asks.
“Madonna,” Teddy answers before I can. “Now hit submit it.”
I press the button before I can second-guess myself. I can always delete. The screen processes, then clears to a simple message: Welcome to Natsirt. Start matching?
My thumb hovers over YES.
“Do it,” Teddy whispers, a little devil lightly on my shoulder. I tap it. “Now we wait,” Teddy says, satisfied.
All right, now what?
My phone stays silent. As do all of us, staring at it like something is going to happen.
Then it buzzes.
“Pick it up!” Teddy’s words burst out of her.
“Oh my God,” I laugh, grabbing my phone. “You tickled my eardrum.” She is still hovering next to my shoulder.
MATCH FOUND.
I stare at the notification, something unfamiliar pressing on my chest. It might be hope. It might just be a distraction.
Either way, I don’t click it. Not sure what I’m waiting for.
“See?” Teddy grins. “Told you.”
I pick up the phone, suddenly nervous for no reason. The match’s photo pops up.
I stare at the profile picture. It’s in black and white. You can’t really see the face. He’s looking to the right with his head tilted slightly downward. His fingers are in his hair, making the palm cover that side of the face. All you can make out really is a strong jawline and stubble.
He appears to be shirtless, showing some of his neck and shoulder. I mean, it’s a little annoying that you can’t see his face, but the picture is hot. You can see the veins in his forearms. He’s in good shape.
All right, that’s enough. This is making me feel strange. I lock the screen and set it back down.