Page 3 of Hard to Get

“He is hot. But no.” I sigh. “Tomorrow night, I have big plans.”

My friends’ eyebrows all fly skyward.

“You do?” Lauren says. “Tell us!”

“I’m going to deep clean my condo, spend some quality time with my orchids, put on one of those foot masks that peels your skin off, and order sushi.”

“Bahaha. That sounds amazing,” Alexis says. She smiles, although her full lips are naturally lifted at the corners, giving her Filipina features a perpetually cheerful expression.

“Right?” I sip my drink. “He wanted to go to a comedy show at the Revue Stage on Granville Island. It sounded fun, but…”

“I get it.” Lauren shrugs. “Sometimes, it just feels like too much work.”

“My mom doesn’t get it.” I wrinkle my nose. “She says I need a man.”

“Women do not need a man,” Alexis says.

“Nope,” I answer cheerfully. “Although a little fun and sex once in a while is good.”

“Things have changed,” Alexis says. “Women used to need a partner to affirm their womanhood. It was considered an achievement to find a husband.”

“And a failure if you didn’t,” I reply, again thinking of my mom.

“Right?” Gracie says. “Women were rewarded for being able to find and keep a man.”

“These days, it’s more of a flex to be single.” Lauren, the only married woman in our group, tucks her long chestnut hair behind one ear.

We all make noises of agreement.

“You need a man like a kitten needs a dishwasher,” Gracie says to me. “Nice to have but totally unnecessary if it makes noise and does a bad job.”

We all crack up laughing.

“I don’t think that even makes sense,” I say. “But I agree. Nice to have once in a while.”

2

JAYDEN

Frank is being way too bold with his new friend.

I may have to intervene.

I mean, Frank’s not a jerk. He’s a good dude. He’s just very friendly. Not everyone takes it well, though. Especially the butt sniffing.

I start towards him. He took off as soon as I unclipped his leash and made a beeline toward another dog. He loves the dog park where he can run and be free.

As I get closer, I see the other dog, now sniffing Frank’s butt. Okay, there’s mutual interest. That’s good. They do a circular dance, noses to butts.

Whoa. That other dog looks exactly like Frank.

Then I notice the woman standing nearby, smiling at the dogs.

Holy mother of God in a raincoat.

I probably look like Frank does after laps around the park: panting, tongue hanging out.

She’s hotter than a jalapeño in hell.