" really don't want to go. No offense." I mumble into the phone, still lying in bed.
I left work an hour ago, came home and went straight to bed. This week has been tiring…rewarding, but tiring. A couple I helped match almost two years ago got engaged today and Facebook streamed it. Another happy couple from three years ago announced they're pregnant. The site has been all kinds of busy making those announcements. This is where we differ from other sites. We like to keep up with our clientele and make sure things are working out. When we have two big, life-changing events like these in one week, add on top an otherwise busy schedule, things just feel nonstop. It's only Thursday, but I feel like I could sleep all weekend.
"I'm not giving your ass a choice. Get out of bed," Frankie barks the order into the phone and I'm glad she can't see me roll harder into the blankets.
"Night, Frankie. I'll talk to you tomorrow morning, as usual. Don't get into too much trouble out there." I end the call and slide the phone to the nightstand and on top of my wireless charger before closing my eyes again.
She's better off having a night away from me tonight anyway. I don't feel too 'fun' lately. Portland is a great place to go out and mingle, but I'm not much a mingler. Frankie, on the other hand, could have hours on end of conversation with a stranger.
"NOPE!" I hear as soon as I start to drift off to sleep. Shooting up in bed, my front door slams and I laugh to myself. She couldn't just give me a night off. "Up, up, up, up!" she sings, the light flicking on makes me squint.
"I'm not going, Frankie. Call Kevin. He'll be more than happy to hang out with you." I grin, lying back down. The beastly noises coming from her tell me she's not up for negotiation. The covers that were just yanked off my warm body tell me not to argue.
"Ass. Up. Now." God, she's so demanding.
I huff and sit up, flinging my feet over the side of the bed. "I have nothing clean to wear."
"You do. I'll find something. Never fear." We sit in silence except for the screeching of wire hangers on the closet rod. "You're wearing a dress. Put it on. Now."
I roll my eyes and stand, stripping off my tank and shorts and slipping the soft dress over my head. I hate dresses, but at least this one is comfortable.
Frankie and I never had much of a closed off relationship. We were kind of forced into this best friends/sisters/soul mate type of bond, so it's not weird when we strip in front of each other. My parents are convinced we lez out together, and as many times as I've told them I'm not into girls, I still don't feel like they believe me. Frankie likes to tease me about it, and there's a part of me that wonders if she's secretly into chicks. But I'd rather not make things like stripping my clothes off in front of her to change outfits become awkward.
"Your bra doesn't match." She laughs, rummaging through my drawer and tossing another to me.
"You're so picky," I grumble, changing quickly.
"Just want what's best for my girl."
"I feel like you have ulterior motives for tonight, Frankie. I'll go for a drink. Then I'm coming home."
"Well your ride is going for a good time, therefore you are too. Come on, Kevin's waiting in the parking lot for us."
"You did call him!" I laugh as she drags me out of my bedroom. I barely have time to tell Gus goodbye and grab my bag before she's pulling me out the front door and I have to jog to keep up with her.
We stop just as we exit the door outside and she lets out an annoyed huff. "I didn't call him."
I bite my lip, trying to tame my grin. "So he just showed up here?"
"No. He called. I invited."
I snicker and she punches me in the arm, effectively shutting me up.
"Not a word. He's a good person."
"That he is." I follow her out hand in hand and smile as I slide into the backseat of Kevin's car.
"Ladies. Looking as beautiful as ever tonight," he croons. "Wait, Charlie, you're in a dress! You own a dress?!"
"It's not mine," I grumble.
"I pulled her sorry ass out of bed." Frankie laughs.
"You didn't want to come out with us tonight? I'm hurt, I thought you liked me more than that."
I smile sweetly and lay my head back on the seat, closing my eyes. "I was napping. And you guys would have way more fun without me. I'm exhausted."
"Poppycock," Kevin scoffs, making Frankie laugh a laugh that brings a smile to my face.
"We'll get a few drinks in ya and you'll be feeling all kinds of fun, don't worry, babe." She reaches back and pats me on the knee and I pull away.
"Just let me nap in the car. I'll be just fine."
They both laugh but leave me be. I'm not normally this exhausted, maybe it's just the heat, or maybe it's just my workaholic tendencies, or the lack of sleep lately, but it's all catching up with me. When Frankie finds out, she's going to tell me to slow the hell down and take a minute to experience life.
The bar's packed by the time we get here and the noise level is insane. Everywhere we walk, I'm bumping into at least one body. Frankie grabs my hand and we make our way through the crowd.
"Right by the bathrooms! Perfect!" Frankie giggles and slides into the booth before me.
"I'm heading to the bar ladies. Any special requests?"
"I'm okay for now. Thanks, Kev."
"She'll have a Manhattan, Kevin. Make it two."
"You're so demanding, Francis Eileen. What would your parents think?" I pretend to be shocked at her behavior but it's nothing new. We're all used to it by now. She definitely doesn't beat around any bush.
"Ha!" she barks. "My parents haven't talked to me since I moved here, Charlie. And you know how much I hate that name."
"Can I call you Frank?"
"We've been over this too. No. Can I call you Chuck?"
"Ewe. No. Gah, no," I blurt, shaking off the ick of that name.
I huff and my phone dings from my purse. My finger twitches, trying to fight turning on my Bluetooth that's hidden by my hair. That lasted about forty-five seconds. Tapping my ear, I turn on the piece of technology that I'd be lost without.
"When'd you put that in?! This isn't a work night, Charlie!" Frankie scoffs.
"Shh, I'm listening to a message."
"Hey! It's Devon from last week. Brandi, the one you set me up with? She's beautiful. I think I love her. Is that normal? To love someone in the first week?"
I cringe. Not a good sign.
"Anyway, just wanted to say thanks. I've never been so happy!" The call ends and I make a mental note to get in touch with Brandi to make sure they're on the same page. I may have to have a chat with Devon.
"Can you take that out so we can enjoy tonight please?" When I don't budge, she demands, "Hand it over."
I roll my eyes and pull the small piece from my ear, handing it over to her.
"Thank you. You can have it back in the morning."
"Morning?! I'm getting it back tonight."
"We'll see."
Ignoring her, I start devising a plan to get it back. It's usually connected to me at all times. You never know when a hot lead for the site will come in…or my parents will call. Regardless if I have much of a social life, I almost feel naked without it.
"Ladies, your drinks," Kevin announces, sliding the glasses onto the table.
The cool glass presses against my lips and I let the liquid flow through my system. Dinner should have been a priority tonight, but I slept through it.
"Let's get this party started!" Frankie cheers and lets out a hiss after she drinks her glass down in a few gulps.
We spend the next few hours downing drinks and enjoying each other's company. It sounds lame since we spend every day together anyway, but not having to worry about work for once feels nice.
"I'm done," I sing, finishing off my fourth Long Island iced tea. After the two Manhattans and shot of Fireball Frankie forced down my throat, I was feeling just perfect. Now, I forced a fourth drink and my head is spinning. I'm not entirely certain I could make it to the bathroom if I tried.
"We need to find you some dick tonight, Charlie," Frankie all but yells from next to me.
Kevin erupts into laughter and claps his hands, announcing, "I fucking second that," loud enough for other people to hear.
"It's been too long, Charlie. Like a year too long," Frankie adds and Kevin lets out a low whistle.
"Has it really?"
I grimace. "Frankie keeps track of my entire life. She'd know." I shrug and stupidly suggest, "I need another drink."
"I got it!" Kevin loudly fumbles as he rushes from the table.
"Seriously though, Charlie. I think it's time you get out there. Play the room. There's tons of cute guys in here tonight."
"No," I state firmly. Finding a random guy to fuck takes way more effort than I have to put forth.
"Fifty dollars." I take in a sharp breath at Frankie's insane wager. She knows I love to gamble, and I hate her so hard right now for putting money on this.
"Oh damn, did she just bet you fifty dollars?" Kevin asks, setting our glasses in front of me.
"Why yes, Kevin the Intern, she most fucking did just bet me."
"Shiiit." He laughs. "What's the bet?"
"Grab the next man that walks by and pretend to know him. Smile, laugh, and touch him. Touch him like you know him."
Kevin laughs and Frankie nudges me. I clench my drink as I bring it to my lips. It's been a long time since I touched a guy in any other way than friendly.
"Fifty bucks is a hell of a deal just to talk to a guy, Charlie," Kevin states loudly. "Don't be a pansy."
I take a deep breath and spin toward Frankie. Grinning, I open my purse and slide out a pair of reading glasses, throwing them on.
"What the fuck are those for?" She laughs. "Charlie, why the hell do you have those?"
"Why the fuck not is the question you should be asking me." I adjust the accessory on my face. Every girl needs a cute pair of glasses in their life. Sure, I've had these since high school, but they're cute!
"Kevin, our girl's lost her damn mind."
Kevin chuckles from across the table. "She's not gonna do it."
"I'm doing it," I blurt, "And I'm doing it right now. Now…which one?" I hum and spin toward the exit of the booth.
"NOW!" Frankie blurts, shoving me out of my seat and directly into the arms of a very hard body.
"Oof!" I slam into him, then stand straight and smile. "Hah, sorry about. Oh God! Steven?! Oh my God, I haven't seen you in forever!" I grab ahold of his arm and things tingle inside me when my fingers grasp his very muscular bicep. Wow.
"Uh…hey." His hands are on my wrists like he's actually preventing me from falling. It's probably a good thing, too. Those drinks have done a number on my balance.
"It's so good to see you again!" I let out a laugh and all my focus goes to where our skin is touching. Damn. "So…uh." I giggle and flip my hair. It's surprisingly easy to play the 'flirting' card with this stranger. "How have you been?"
"God I'm sorry. Do we know each other?"
"Oh, Steven, you're so funny! Always the trickster." I give his chest a light pat and sigh. "You never change, do you?"
"Um." His deep laugh resonates through me and I grin as he starts to talk again. "I'm not much of a trickster. And my name's not Steven. But your friend Steven has got to be an awesome dude if we look similar. It's the tattoos isn't it? And, um, your glasses…" His hand comes in contact with the frame of my glasses and I inhale while he fixes them. Is that smell…cherries? "I think you knocked them loose with your stumble there. All set." His hands fall and I sigh audibly.
Good Lord. Who would have thought the scent of cherries could be such an aphrodisiac?
"Thanks." I bring my fingers up to the rims of the glasses and smile. "Damn things never work right anyway." Suddenly I'm feeling way too awkward to be standing here and everything feels like it's spinning. "I'm sorry I mauled you. Can't say I regret it though." I let out a giggle and wobble a bit.
He chuckles. "Me either. So, uh, I'm not Steven, but I'm Travis, and…" He shifts and I can't hear what he says as he mumbles something about a friend. "I got a few minutes," he says coming close again. "Can I get you a drink?"
I smile and just as I'm about to accept, Frankie barges in. "Jesus, Charlie! Leave you alone for a minute and I almost lose you for the night!" Her arm wraps around mine and I try not to seem annoyed. She's the one that wanted me to do this anyway, and now she's intervening?
"Hey." I paste on a smile. "Sorry, I thought I recognized this gentleman."
Frankie scoffs at my words and laughs. "Well, you must have been dead wrong. Fuck, are you blind, woman? We don't associate with men that look like him!" Her head comes to rest on my shoulder and I close my eyes, taking a deep breath.
"That's rude, Frankie." I sigh.
"And what do I look like?" His voice is cocky and I like it. "Her friend Steven?"
"Hah! No, my sir. You look like nothing but trouble." Frankie clicks her tongue. "The ink, the attitude…that grin. Nope. Trouble. I bet you have it spelled out on your knuckles."
"I didn't have an attitude until you came along, lady. Sorry I'm not your friend Steven." He touches my arm. "You have a good night."
I reach out and grab his arm before he can walk away. "I'm really sorry about my friend," I insist, feeling mega embarrassed.
"Girl friend, Charlie. Lord." Frankie states, twisting her hand in mine. I shake my head and growl. "Come on, babe. He's gone," she mutters. "That was not the guy I tried to shove you into."
As we turn to sit back down, Kevin's talking to some girl and she sounds like a bimbo. Great.
I'm still stunned by fake Steven. That voice. It wasn't like the hesitant men in the area I've been listening to nonstop lately. It was confident and clean with a little grunge to it. And tattoos? Yes please. Jesus, why can't all of our clients be like him? I'd have a much easier time matching people.
Work starts out like any other Friday. Frankie and I walk into the building to music playing through the speakers and Kevin somewhere in the back, belting out Katy Perry like no one's listening.
"Hello?" Frankie screams, making me groan.
Could my head hurt any more? I'm never drinking that much again.
"Don't talk to me for a few hours," I mumble, trudging my way to my office and away from human life. Time to start the daily routine. Purse on hook. Phone on wireless charger. Bluetooth in ear- that I didn't get back until we left the bar last night. Computer's fired up and door's closed to drown out Kevin's horrible rendition of this song.
About three hours into a very slow work pace, my phone rings. Clicking the button on my Bluetooth, I take a breath and answer, "Blind Date dating service, where we never judge a book by its cover, this is Charlie, how can I assist you?"
We very rarely get phone calls anymore so when we do I'm actually happy to stop and help. Sometimes it's nice having outside world interaction.
"Hey, Charlie. My name's Brian. I can't find an email anywhere to send my video to. Can you help me?"
I grin and my mind immediately goes to my dating idea.
"Hey, Brian, how about we meet for lunch? You can tell me all about yourself in person." I smile and pray he says yes. I really need out of this office today.
"Uh… Sure. I guess."
"Perfect. Meet me at the Bistro on Third. An hour work?" I'm already closing out all my programs and tossing my phone in my bag before he answers.
"Yeah. See ya there."
"Great!" I chirp, ending the call, way too excited to try this out. Granted, he knows we're meeting for business, but it'll still give me a chance to see if this'll be worth it.
"Hey, Frankie, I'm heading out for a little bit," I tell her, standing in the door to her office with my purse already slung over my shoulder.
"What?" she shrieks, as surprised as I am.
"Why?" Kevin blurts from behind me.
God, these two are too worried about shit.
"I'm meeting someone for a business lunch. Gonna try out the date interview I talked to you about."
"Charlie, I do—"
"Bye!" I blurt, turning for the door.
"Kevin," I hear Frankie yell out from her office as I walk down the hall. "Get your shit, we're getting lunch, I'm hungry."
I sigh and shake my head, not slowing my steps as I hear them scrambling to follow. I'm happy they look out for me, but it's completely unnecessary. Somehow, I don't think a guy would call the service wanting to murder me. He just wanted to submit a video and I kind of forced him to lunch.
By the time I get halfway down the block and close enough to my favorite bistro, I can smell it; Frankie and Kevin are right on my heels.
"So, you mind telling me why you're doin’ this?" Frankie speaks up. "We never agreed to this, Charlie."
"Yeah, we didn't, but I need something new. This is new and exciting. I'm excited!" I'm also nervous something's going to get fucked up, but the excitement overrides it easily.
"So does he know it's a business meeting? Or does he think it's a date?"
"This one's not a date. He needed help so I told him we could just meet to talk about it and get him all set up, but if this goes well, I'll start doing it more often when I'm asked out."
"Wait, you're going to lead men on thinking they're on a date? Then what? Tell them you're not interested but you can find someone that is?" Kevin speaks up.
"Yep. That's exactly what I want to do, Kevin."
"That's not a good idea. You're gonna piss dudes off left and right." His voice is full of warning but I ignore it.
I'm not a bitch. It's not like I'd sit there and lead them on. Telling someone 'sure, I'll have dinner' isn't the same as telling them I want to fall in love with them.
"Cool your jets, Kev. It'll be fine." I walk into the restaurant and the smells and sounds in the building make me sigh. "God, this place is delicious," I hum, walking straight to my table and sitting down before stating, "You two aren't sitting with me."
"We're sitting right next to you. One wrong move and this guy is toast," Frankie warns. I roll my eyes and smile, waiting for Brian.
The next morning I wake up and stretch. The lunch 'date' application yesterday went well. Very well. Brian and I talked for a while, and he said he was a lot less nervous to be doing it in person than he would have been in a video. There's something about a camera that can make people nervous, not act themselves. He knows I still need a video, but Kevin's going to shoot it in the office. I ended up talking to Brian for well over two hours and already have him matched with a few different girls for first dates. He sounded very happy to be able to do something like this in person and said on multiple occasions he liked the personal touch that Blind Date has given him as opposed to other dating sites. I think my idea, after tweaked a bit, is actually going to work!
I climb out of bed and start to get ready for the morning. Frankie and I are heading to the farmers market today and as much as I'm not looking forward to it, I'm sure it'll end up being fun. She always tends to make things fun.
It's eight when she waltzes through my front door. "Good morning, sweet cheeks!" she sings. "I brought coffee and we're getting donuts at the market. Good God, it's so dark and dreary in here," she scoffs and I hear her start to swipe the blinds open from the other room. "And you still need to have the landlord fix that light, Charlie. Come on. The sun's out, it's warm already. Let's go slow poke!"
I grumble and slip on my flip-flops, grabbing my purse and phone before sliding sunglasses onto my face.
"I'm ready. You're too happy this morning." I laugh, shaking my head at her insane behavior. She's not usually this peppy in the morning.
"It's farmers market morning and I'm about to get my food on. Of course I'm happy!"
The sun is warm on my face and I'm enjoying the peaceful drive until the car slows down.
"Fuck there's a lot of people here today," Frankie grumbles. After getting out she takes my hand as we march through the crowds.
It took us all of ten minutes to drive here and we've been fighting crowds for almost twenty. I've already scored two fresh loaves of bread and we've devoured our donuts. It's hot, loud, and the smell of fresh flowers, fresh bread, and sweet fruit annihilates my senses, but I love it. Just being outside in the sun is something I don't take for granted anymore.
"Could we not have come during a less insane time?" I grunt when someone runs into me and roll my eyes. I hate crowds. Love being outside. Hate crowds.
"Nope. Apparently the best of the best is here right now and I have a hankering for some homemade cherry pie."
"You don't even know how to cook!" We stop as the line stops and she laughs.
"Yeah, but if I bring these to your mom, she'll be all over it."
"Let's just get them and get out of here." I step aside and huff as someone pushes by.
I hate this, I hate this, I hate this.
"Ooooh my fuck. Oh bear claws! Oh God, those smell so good!" Frankie whines, shaking my arm.
"Go get one!" I laugh, nudging her and taking a sip of my coffee.
"I'm not leaving you alone in this insane crowd. You've lost your mind. I'll never find you again."
"Frankie, I'm waiting on cherries. What could possibly happen?" I smile and she lets out a sigh of defeat.
"Fine. Don't move. I'll be right back." After giving my hand a squeeze, she lets go.
I know I'm a grown adult, but it sometimes feels like Frankie thinks she's my babysitter. I don't need a babysitter as much as she just needs to feel like she's helping.
The line nudges forward and so do I, and a lot sooner than I thought would happen, I'm directly up front at the stand, being pushed against it and Frankie is nowhere to be found. Shit, I don't know what to order! She's the reason we're here anyway!
Of course the one time I need her, she's nowhere to be found.