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“I’m just checking to see what happened to Roman,” she says, looking up with a frown. “Are you sure you don’t want to sign up tonight?” she adds, pretending she’s been paying attention to the conversation.

“No, I don’t think I’m going to, but let me see what the process is like if I do want to go next time.” I jump up and look over at the girls. “Do you guys want another drink? I’m going to head to the bar.”

“Okay, I’ll have a tequila sunrise, please,” Izzy says.

“Make that two,” Lucia says. “Thanks, girl.”

“No worries.”

I make my way toward the open tiki bar and stand next to one of the palm trees while I wait for the crowd to thin. My phone beeps, and I look down. Brett sent me another text message.

So, I have an idea, he writes, but doesn’t say anything else.

What’s the idea? I text back.

I think you could benefit from some coaching lessons.

What do you mean, coaching lessons?

You know, if I’m going to help you find a good man, you need a dating coach.

What?

Not to be rude, Rosie, but you can come on pretty strong when you’re interested in someone, and some men will take advantage of that.

Are you saying I’m obvious?

I wouldn’t say that you’re not obvious.

I roll my eyes and put my phone back in my pocket. I’m offended by his text message, but not offended by the fact that he wants to help me. I move up toward the bar and signal the bartender.

“Hey, can I get three tequila sunrises, please? And can I ask you some questions about the comedy show?”

“Sure. Three tequila sunrises coming up. And what do you want to know?”

“So, if someone wants to participate, how easy or hard is it to sign up?”

“Oh, you’ll want to speak to that guy over there.” He points to the end of the bar, where a tall man with bleach-blond hair and big blue eyes is standing, laughing. “That’s Marcus. He’s in charge of sign-ups. He can give you more information.”

“Oh, thank you.” I stand there for a few seconds, and then I watch as the bartender calls out to Marcus.

“Hey, Marcus, this girl here wants to know about signing up. I figured you could give her some information.”

I cringe inside. I didn’t want to sign up right now whatsoever. However, I quickly paste a smile on my face as Marcus heads over to me with a cute blonde woman.

“Hi,” he says with a warm smile. “I’m Marcus. Are you a comedian?”

“No. I’m Rosie.” I smile. “Rosie Meadows. No comedian in my name.”

“So, you do have jokes.”

“Yes, and no. I don’t know that I’m naturally funny, but it’s always been something I wanted to do, and I figured open mic could be a good way to test it.” I make a face. “But tonight is not the night.”

“Are you sure? There’s another set happening, and we only have two people signed up, so I could add you on.”

“Oh, no, no, no, I don’t have anything prepared.”

“You should try,” the blonde woman says with a warm smile. “I think everyone should try new things.” She flips her long hair and surveys me. “You never know. You might be funnier than you look.”