‘You’re right. Enough of this tomfoolery. Let’s fake date. Woo me, Nora.’
‘Sure,’ I reply, leaning in. ‘So, tell me, Will… do you like being tethered?’
CHAPTER18
Feedback from the speed dating was an eye-opener to say the least. Brad read our comments anonymously, forcing us all to sit there and smile as we were ripped new ones by the other members of our group.
Paul’s comments were unanimously bad, ranging from ‘a little intense’ to ‘would not want to relive that experience’ while Nish’s comments varied from ‘needs to relax’ to ‘pleasant young man’. I was surprised that Biscuit-face Tim only got bad feedback from me, but perhaps I was the only one he decided to lecture.
‘Now we move on to Will.’
I could see Will squirm as Brad began looking through our notes. I wouldn’t be surprised if the other women found him a little standoffish, considering he’d rather be anywhere else but here.
‘Attentive… charming… very easy to talk to… funny… we have some great comments here, Will, it seems you’re quite adept at holding conversation.’
Of course, he is, I think,he talks to people for a living.
Will rubs the back of his head and smiles while the other men quietly size him up, like he’s now the one to beat.
‘Let’s move on to the ladies.’
Oh God, here we go.
‘Allison – hmm, we have a couple of comments here which mention your eagerness to find out how much people earn or have spent on various things. Maybe not appropriate for an initial conversation?’
Allison flicks her hair back and sniffs indignantly. ‘I think it’s perfectly appropriate, I wouldn’t want to waste anyone’s time.’
‘Meg – lovely comments here, but perhaps taking a brief pause every now and again to let others speak might be something to consider?’
Meg looks hurt, but Brad isn’t buying it. ‘This is a bootcamp, Meg,’ Brad reminds her. ‘We’re here for quick results and sometimes brutal truths are necessary. Take note but don’t take it to heart.’
She nods but her expression doesn’t change.
‘Jillian – a couple of negatives here. Firstly, looking bored and secondly, fishing for compliments… but also seductive.’
Jillian giggles and fires a look at Tim who winks at her. Jillian and that old Jammy Dodger? Really?
Patricia’s comments all centre around her slagging off her ex-husband, Kenneth, which doesn’t surprise either me or her. She’s obviously out for blood.
‘And last but not least, Nora.’
My face is burning already. I’m perfectly aware of my own flaws but having them read out to me isn’t an experience I’m relishing.
‘So, firstly we have belligerent.’
Up yours, Tim.
‘Dismissive.’
Definitely Paul. I brace myself for the rest of my public shaming.
Brad continues, ‘But then we have – “easy to talk to” and “sound as a pound”.
Redemption!!God bless Nish and Russell!
‘And finally, “strong and stable”.’
Bloody Will. He snickers loudly.
