Page 32 of Luck Be a Genie

He made a face, and Dante picked up the conversation. “We’re not really sure what we’re doing wrong. All of us have been trying to seriously date to find the right person for, well, for some of us a really long time.”

Callum grew quiet, and kind of shut down right before my eyes. So did Declan for that matter. Kian just looked woeful, and Dante looked determined. Maybe hopeful.

I held up my hands. “Guys, I’m only one girl. Every woman has their own needs, wants, and desires.”

I mean, that was self-explanatory, right?

Please tell me that was self-explanatory to them.

“But you can tell us how women think. What they’re looking for,” Kian insisted.

I shook my head so hard I could practically feel my brain rattling around. “Nope. I can only tell you what I need, or what I’m looking for.”

Callum’s sigh was world-weary as he set down his cards. “Let’s start with that then.”

I made a face. Nick squeezed my hand before he got up to refill the pitcher with more ice water. So far, there hadn’t been any chaotic magic messes. It’d been a few days, actually. I was starting to feel like maybe Nick was a lucky charm.

Everyone else put down their cards as well. Hesitantly, I did the same. I suddenly felt like I was in the hot seat.

What did women want? In general?

Oh boy.

I sighed. “Okay, umm, let’s start with what you guys want. Just, kind of say things out loud.”

“Affection.”

“Depth.”

“Warmth.”

“Intelligence.”

I held up a hand, stopping them. “Okay, see, that right there. You are all wanting different things. You all have different priorities.” Pulling a chip out of the basket, I fiddled with it and broke off little pieces that littered the table as I thought about how I wanted to explain my thoughts.

“Okay, I’m not an expert by any means. I’d just like to say that what I’m suggesting might not be helpful. Like, at all.”

They nodded.

“But, if it were me, I’d start with making a list of the things I really wanted in a relationship, and in any future partner. I’d list them in order of priority. I’d also keep in mind that looking for perfection is a great way to stay lonely.”

They nodded again.

“Then, as I’m out there, living my life, keeping myself open to meeting the right person, I’d work on myself. Do I need to work on patience? Empathy? Understanding? Communication? Just, work on yourself as much as you’re able to, but also try to be patient with yourself. Personal growth isn’t linear. It’s not like A plus B always equals C. Sometimes growth can be slow, but just keep at it.

“And then, I’d try to get to know people, but I’d stay intentional about it. I wouldn’t, for example, keep dating someone I knew couldn’t give me what I needed, just because I’m lonely.” I looked around at all of them. “I don’t know if that helped at all,” I said uncertainly. “You guys are probably already doing all of those things.”

My suggestions felt painfully inadequate, especially considering all of them were immortal.

Dante’s smile was pained. “Thank you, Lucky. You didn’t tell us what you’re looking for, though.”

I bit my lip and Nick lightly smacked Dante’s head as he passed with the water pitcher. “Stop pressuring her and asking her personal stuff.”

I smiled at Dante’s offended expression.

“Well, I guess I could share one thing that I was looking for, before Nick and I got together,” I said.

They all sat up and looked at me, even Nick.