Page 32 of Finding My Charming

His smile grew impossibly wider. “Really? Okay. Yeah, I’ll let you know.”

I nodded once and decided to end this awkwardness. “I’ve got to get home. Thanks again.”

He stepped forward, and for a split-second, I panicked thinking he was making a move, but he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a hug. I hesitated for a moment before lifting my arms around his torso.

He stepped back, and I mirrored him. “See ya?”

I gave a small wave. “See you, Wyatt.”

When I got into my car and started it, I took a second to check my phone. Five missed calls from Ari. She was probably losing her mind. I debated between calling her back and letting her suffer. She’d probably continue calling all night if I didn’t let her know how it had gone. I clicked on her number, and ringing sounded through my sound system.

“Elise?” Her voice was a cross between panic and excitement.

“Hi, Ari.” I pulled out of the parking space and made my way home.

“How was it? Are you alive? I realized tonight, after you didn’t answer my calls, that I set you up with a total stranger and sent you there by yourself! What if he was crazy or tried to kidnap you?”

“Calm down. I’m fine. He was a nice guy, definitely not a crazy or kidnapper.”

“Oh good.” She sounded considerably calmer now. “How was it? Do you think he’s the one?”

“It was a bit rough at the beginning, but it was actually pretty fun.”

“So? Is he the one?” Her voice rose higher with each word.

I had to follow my gut. “No, I don’t think so.”

She sighed, and I almost felt bad. I doubted we were going to be able to find Mr. Match, let alone that he would be the first guy I contacted.

“Dang. Well… at least you had fun.” She sounded so dejected I wanted to reach through the line and give her a hug.

“Yeah. On to the next one, right? Did you hear from any other guys?”

“I found Tall Brunette… I think! I sent you links to the pictures of him. If I’m right, then you can add him as a Mypage friend and message him to meet up.”

“No way!”

“How else are you supposed to meet him? Elise, darling, we’ve been through this.”

I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. “Can’t you go in and pretend to be me again?”

“I thought it was an invasion of privacy.” She laughed as if she knew she had caught me.

“I changed my mind. Please! It’s so much less awkward if you do it.”

The silence lasted for a few seconds, long enough for me to start to panic.

“Fine.”

“Thank you, Ari! I owe you.”

“I know. Don’t worry though. I’m keeping track.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

I hung up from the call just as I parked in front of my house. When I walked in, the kitchen and dining room were empty. I found my parents sitting in from of the TV, but April was nowhere to be found.

My mother noticed me and turned quickly. “Hi, honey! How was your day? Did you meet any of them?”