Page 27 of Finding My Charming

I watched as she opened her laptop and scooted back against the pillows so we could both look at the screen. She pulled up her Mypage account, and I was shocked by how many pictures people had already uploaded. They ranged from selfies of friends to group shots to action shots of people oblivious to the camera pointed at them.

She enlarged the first photo, and I scanned the small images looking for someone to jump out at me, but no one did. For the next half hour, we clicked through every picture without me recognizing any of the guys from the list.

“It’s hopeless.”

Ari elbowed me in the ribs and shushed me. “Don’t give up so quickly.”

I rubbed my side and pouted. “Quickly? We’ve been searching for hours!”

“You’re such a drama queen. We’re going to find these guys if it takes all night — and the next night and every single one after that!”

My best friend was passionate. No one could argue that.

After a few more photos, my attention drifted, but only for a moment before Ari slapped my arm. “Is this Headphones?”

I leaned toward the screen and looked at the guy in the photo. “I think so!”

She squealed and flagged the picture so we could come back to it. “One down and only five to go!”

It took us another hour to find Gray Eyes and Mysterious Beanie Man. We had a good lead, but we were still missing four guys.

My phone vibrated next to me, breaking my concentration. Mom.

I let out a groan before answering. “Hi, Mom.”

Ari giggled.

“Where are you? It’s almost eight! You missed dinner, and you didn’t bother to call.”

“Sorry. I’m at Ari’s. We’re trying to figure out the necklace situation.”

“Oh?” My mom’s voice instantly changed from annoyed to excited.

“Yup. We have some ideas of who it could have been. Now I just need a way to talk to them or see them again.”

She was clicking her pen, and I knew she was thinking. “You could have another party and invite the same people.”

My jaw dropped. Ari gave me a concerned look and mouthed, “What?”

“You think we should have another party?” I clarified for my benefit and Ari’s. My conservative mother, who didn’t want me to even go that night, was encouraging me to do it all again?

“Well, why not? If they came the first time, they’d probably come again. If you have an idea of who you’re looking for, it might make it easier.”

I seriously doubted a time existed when my mom shocked me more than on this phone call.

“That’s a really good idea, actually.” Ari was already back on her computer, probably inviting the masses to another party at her house.

I laughed and couldn’t help but smile. She was right. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll be home in a bit.”

“Take the time you need, honey. You need to figure this out.”

“Thanks. I know.”

“Bye. I love you.”

“Love you.” I hung up and looked at Ari. “Guess we’re doing this again.”

She nodded while typing away. “We’ll have to wait until next weekend. No one will come any sooner.”