Romance Me (Boxed Set) Read Free

sitting.
    “Thanks.” She smiled, her brown eyes lighting up. “His name’s Dillon and we talked on the phone earlier. He has this really deep voice and sounds super nice.”
    I slipped onto one of her bar stools and leaned against the countertop. “It’d be better to have more info on him though. That’s what I love about Detailed Dating . You learn what you’re getting into before you invest time and energy.”
    “Only if the guys are honest in their profile. Do you know how many horror stories I’ve heard?”
    “That’s why it’s only part of Detailed Dating’s process. It’s not like they recommend marrying someone off their profile alone.” I laughed.
    “Still, online dating feels too clinical to me.” She fished in a drawer, then handed me an extendable leash that had a plastic handle with blue plastic bags attached. “I’m more into chemistry and a good vibe.”
    My mouth twisted. “Says the girl who’s going out with some guy she’s never met because he looks good without a shirt on.”
    “Touché.”
    I took a deep breath, but my voice still cracked a little when I said, “Why do you think Gina set you up with Dillon and not me?”
    She leaned on the counter across from me and stared into my eyes. “Does that bug you?”
    I shrugged, feeling rejected. “Maybe a little . . .”
    She grasped my hands. “Sweetie, you’ve been raving about Detailed Dating for practically a month. She probably figures that’s working for you whereas I’m a pathetic mess who needs help.”
    I wanted to laugh at her attempted joke, but my eyes filled with tears instead. Maybe Gina wasn’t the reason I felt rejected.
    Her hands tightened around my own. “Ellen, what’s going on?”
    My shoulders rose and my throat burned. “I’m not sure. I was talking to my mom earlier and she mentioned Bob, Frank . . . and my dad.”
    Her eyes grew large. “In what context?”
    I blinked back tears and swiped at my nose. “Basically, she said how she screwed up with them and I shouldn’t make the same mistake. It shouldn’t bother me.” Logically, I knew this. My dad had been absent most of my life and I didn’t owe him one ounce of loyalty. “But she said that my dad didn’t count. Since she hadn’t married him, he didn’t count.”
    Rachel leaned on her elbow and gave me a stern look. “Of course he counts. I’m sure it’s just her way of getting over it. Since he left her and all.”
    “He left me, too. And I’m not the one who chose him. She did.” My eyes burned and the hole in my chest ached. I shook my head. “She picked someone who didn’t want kids, who wasn’t compatible with her. When I marry, it has to be to a guy who’s stable and in it for the long run. I have to know everything about him to make sure I choose someone who would never desert me. Ever.”
    She blew out a breath. “If we only had a crystal ball.” Her lips tightened. “Then, I’d have seen Jeremy’s true colors and not wasted two years of my life on that slime bag.”
    “Exactly,” I said, wishing we could see the future and know if it would all work out. “All I can do is take every step possible to make sure we’re compatible so it will last.”
    “Even so, you’re not going to get a sealed guarantee,” Rachel said, glumly.
    Knock. Knock.
    We both jumped as someone rapped on her front door. Dillon, no doubt.
    Turning back to me, she said, “And with that cheery thought . . . ”
    “Sorry. I’m ruining your first date in six months.” I groaned, then picked up Chester’s leash off the counter and waved toward the front door. “Ignore my dark side and have fun. And don’t worry about your mutt either. I’ll keep him entertained.”
    She gave me a quick hug, started toward the door, then turned back. “I can cancel if you’re upset.”
    “No way. I’m fine.” I held up the leash. “Chester and I will go for a walk and get some fresh air.”
    “Thanks, Ellen. We’ll find the right guy for us. Or, at