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“She’s worried you think she won’t like the idea.” Heather’s voice softened; the teasing dropped. “Sam, do you feel ready to date?”
Sam shrugged. “I don’t know. I think I’ve been letting life do its thing and believed someone would come along when they’re supposed to.”
“I think you need to try online dating. Everybody does it these days,” Heather said, her fingers tapping at the keyboard again.
Sam pulled a face. “It didn’t work very well last time.”
“You tried it too soon. And you were unlucky. But you should consider it again.”
“Maybe…”
Once Sam had finished his dinner, Heather swung the laptop around to show him what she’d set up.
“Right, you’re SamJT26,” she said. The internet dating site was called Soul Mate Search, and she’d added a couple of pictures on there — pictures Chloe had taken and Heather had retrieved off Instagram. Thank goodness she hadn’t made the one with him wearing an elf T-shirt and hat, holding a glass of mulled wine, his actual profile picture. He supposed it showed he had a good sense of humour, but he wasn’t sure it was his most flattering.
“Heather, I could have done this.”
“No, I don’t think you would. You worry you’re betraying Jade. And you’re not.” Heather pointed to the screen. “You can update your images. I think you’re allowed eight for free — just don’t use your Facebook profile picture.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.”
He read the short profile Heather had written. It was very complimentary — he wasn’t sure he would have sold himself so well, but none of it was a lie. Not only had she shared that he was a widower bringing up a beautiful daughter, she’d written he was a good cook, had an eclectic taste in music, played badminton to keep himself trim, was tidy around the house and liked things in their place.
“Does that make me sound like the obsessive psychopath in SleepingWithTheEnemy?” Sam chuckled nervously, combing his hand through his hair.
“No, women like to know that guys are tidy and not over-mothered,” Heather said. “The fact you’re raising your daughter on your own is a strength women will admire.”
“I’m still not sure whether you should state I’m a widower. Won’t women be put off?”
“Let’s start off truthful, huh?”
“If you’re avoided like the plague, then maybe you could just change it to single,” Tom said.
“There are other sites you can go on, but my friend recommended this one,” Heather explained. “You can update your profile some more later.” She narrowed her eyes, her expression stern. “But promise me you’ll give this a go.”
“Yes, yes…” Sam really wished he could have another beer. It was nearly the weekend.
“Oh, and give me your phone.” Heather held out her hand and clicked her fingers.
“Heather,” he said sternly. “Has Jade possessed you or something?”
“I know you’re capable, but I’m not having you come up with some excuse, like you didn’t have time to set it up.”
With a huff, Sam retrieved his iPhone from his pocket. He unlocked the screen then gave it to Heather, who downloaded the Soul Mate Search app. She set it all up, so all he had to do was press the button, as if he was some kind of technophobe. In reality, he worked in aerospace engineering and dealt with advanced technology every day.
As he was leaving, with Chloe already running towards his car and Tom leaning against the front doorframe, holding Daisy and Scarlett back from running after her, Heather caught his arm.
“Sam, you won’t be betraying Jade’s memory. It won’t mean you love her any less. She really wouldn’t want you living the rest of your life alone.”
He nodded. “I know.”
Heather hugged him. “Even if you just date for a while and find your feet, it will help. The first person you meet isn’t likely to be the one, but it will give you some confidence, get you out of the house.”
“Are you implying I’m a recluse?”
“Of course not. But there’s more to life than work and badminton.” Heather chuckled. “And who knows, you might find a date for Joe’s wedding.” She winked.
“That’s in August!” Sam hated how high his voice sounded. Heather laughed again.
“Dad, come on!” Chloe shouted from inside the car, the passenger door open.
“But your daughter won’t be around forever. Eventually she’ll be off doing her own thing in the world,” Heather said.
Sam nodded. It didn’t bear thinking about: Chloe growing up … coming home late, getting boyfriends, turning him greyer.
He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to date. Heather was cajoling him into this. Would women even want to date a widower?
