On the drive home, Arryn wondered if she could get past Starlight Leela's bad habits. It wasn't natural for people to talk in acronyms. She'd tried to overlook that she sometimes dipped into LOL's and OMG's, but then they'd spent the entire date with Leela showing her screenshots of her place in Animal Crossing. Maybe she'd been nervous, and maybe Arryn was being too hard on her dates, so she agreed to see Leela again, and they'd make plans over the following week. Until they did, Arryn had other messages on eDen, and she didn't intend to ignore them this early. Besides, she'd need the cannon fodder for her article.

She pulled into her drive, spotted Yennefer's bright yellow Volkswagen parked on the street, but didn't see her in it. Once she got up to her apartment, she found both best friends sitting at her door.

"You owe me five bucks," Darcy declared as she stood up and pulled Yen with her. "She didn't spend the night."

Yen ignored her. "Was she everything the cards said she'd be?"

Keys in hand, Arryn stepped past them and unlocked the door, then motioned them inside. "You bet on my date?" She didn't know whether to be amused or insulted that her date was going for such little cash.

Darcy plopped down into a dining chair. "Only a few minutes ago. Yen said you'd have a second date. I said you'd be home before ten."

Arryn snorted and smiled at Yen. "She was right. I'm guessing she was nervous, but I liked her enough to see her again."

Yennefer stuck her tongue out at Darcy. "See, I told you. The reading helped."

"Fine, fine." Darcy harrumphed as she stood, digging into her pocket and pulling out a wadded bill. She slapped it into Yennefer's outstretched hand. "I concede." She padded over to Arryn and looped her arm around her neck for a hug. "I can't stay for long. Tomorrow is Shaw's birthday, and I still haven't figured out what to give him."

Yen's mouth quirked up at the corners. "Give him a blow job, it's like flowers and candy to a guy."

"You're not wrong," Arryn added.

Darcy straightened her face. "Whose the next person on the list?"

"Nobody I'm really interested in. I'll check out my DMs tomorrow and see if I have anything new, then go from there."

"I could recommend some guys at work," Darcy offered.

Arryn shook her head back and forth so fast she got dizzy. Blind dates never worked, and she didn't like being put into awkward positions with her friends. "No. Remember when my coworker matched me with her cousin? We had nothing in common, but he wanted to go out again, and I didn't. Things got weird, and Tess never got over it that I didn't fall madly in love with him. No more blind dates."

"Wouldn't bother me, so if you change your mind, let me know." Darcy flapped the air as if swatting a mosquito, then leaned closer. "Before I go, I have something I think I need to tell you."

From her expression, whatever it was, Arryn knew it wasn't good. "Shoot."

Darcy released a heavy sigh. "I went to the airport today to pick up some business associates for my boss and ran into Gianna. She was leaving for New York."

Arryn quirked her brows. Gianna had said she was moving to The Big Apple, so it wasn't news to her. "So?"

"Sydney was with her."

"She was probably dropping her off."

"No." Darcy pursed her lips. "She was going with. I think they're living together."

Arryn's chest tightened, and she fisted her hands. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. Take my word, they've been having an affair. Before your break-up."

"That titbag." Yen folded her arms. "She wanted to have her cake and eat it too."

For two heartbeats, Arryn froze, then tears came fast and furious. Not because she wanted Gianna back, but because she didn't want her, and never had. She was cake. Sydney was frosting. Arryn would never be frosting.

"Don't cry. Not over that shitweasel," Yen said.

"She isn't a loser. I am. Why do I keep choosing people who won't be faithful or commit? Is it me?"

"I will not listen to you talk like that," Darcy said. "We've all picked the wrong person to trust at some point. Lord knows there are so few good ones out there."

The way her love life had gone in the past, Arryn wasn't sure there were good ones left. None were on her radar. She wasn't interested in Joseph, and regardless of what Starlight said, she'd probably never call. "Okay, I'm done crying." She sniffed and blotted her eyes on her shirt sleeve. "Gia's not worth it. I've moved on. At least I'm trying. Y'all go. It's late. I'll be fine."

She looked at Darcy. "Go give Shaw those flowers and candy." Arryn hoped the hint got rid of them. She wanted to be finished crying, but she wasn't. Not by a long shot. Maybe after a pint of pistachio ice cream and a date with tequila, topped off with her head in the toilet.

She watched out the window until Yen's tail lights disappeared, and then Arryn got into the shower, cried, and dry heaved until she had nothing left. Little by little, she loved her less. Gianna was history. Joseph was history. And Starlight was probably shacking up with Tom Nook.

Climbing into bed, she laid the laptop across her legs and opened it. She may as well get a few sentences written about her first experience. Rethinking the crazy date helped take her mind off Gianna and Sydney. Oh God, they even sounded like a couple. She shook the thought away and typed.

Be careful what you wish for.

American dating sites host thirty percent of the population, and they're all looking for the same thing. Meaningless sex, sure. But, for the most part: Love. Happily-ever-after. The one who makes their heart beat faster. Their breath comes quicker. Their palms sweat. The one who creates magic.

My first date, a real magic man, didn't affect my heart, breathing, or body temperature. Still, he definitely provided me with magic by producing a flower from his sleeve, and entertaining a handful of waiters by pulling quarters out from behind their ears.

Moral of the story: whatever you wish for, be specific.

I wished for magic and got it—behind an ear, and up a sleeve.

The next morning, she faced something more nerve-racking than a blind date: her mother. For the past few weeks, she'd spoken to her on the phone, but not in person. When Mom had inquired about Gianna, Arryn acted as if they were still together, and everything was hunky-dory. The good thing about phone calls, eyes couldn't reveal the truth.

She had no proof of cheating. It'd been weeks since she'd left Gianna with the most expensive food tab she'd ever had. Plenty of time for her to start a new romance. But in retrospect, the signs were there. She'd just been too stupid to see them—or admit it was possible. The truth took another chunk out of her heart. Tears didn't help, but she had plenty of reasons to cry. Other than Gianna, she was scared Papi's cancer came back. Terrified she'd never have a family. Days were flying by. Early menopause was on her heels, and she was running like hell to stay ahead of it. Maybe having a family didn't fit the millennial agenda, but it was something she'd always wanted since she had her first baby doll: to be a mom.

Before Arryn made it to her Mom's, she pulled to the side of the road and freshened her makeup to erase signs of crying. She had enough explaining to do without going into how frightened she felt that she'd never make her mother proud. She'd always failed at that.

Arryn parked under the big oak and eyed the neighbor's tire swing twirling in the breeze. As a child, she'd had one like it, and while she and Darcy fought over whose turn it was, Yen gathered acorns to string for her own special costume jewelry.

The three of them, best friends, but so different. Darcy, the smart one. Yen, the beauty, and Arryn, practical and predictable. She smiled at the memory and wished for Yen's tarot to predict Mom's mood. Even if it was good, the news of Gianna riding off into the sunset would spoil it.

Over the years, she learned visits went better if they started with a gift. She considered it a peace offering in reverse. She gathered her purse along with the small bag resting on the seat and got out of the car.

The giant oaks swayed, and the scent of fresh bread permeated the air. Mrs. Tovar across the street must've been baking.

Before Arryn knocked on the front door, Mom opened it. "I thought I heard a car," she said, picking stray cat hair off Arryn's shoulder. "It's nice to see you. It's been what—over a month?"

Arryn leaned in for a hug. "It hasn't been that long. I call you all the time, too."

Her mother backed away and eyed Arryn. God, not here five minutes and already being judged.

Her mom smiled. "You're right. I should call you more, too. It's just I stay so busy, it's late before I slow down enough to call. The church rummage sale is taking so much of my time. I meet myself coming and going."

Arryn held out the bag. "I brought you something."

"How sweet of you." She removed the tissue, pulled out the candle, and pressed it to her nose.

"It's your favorite. Coconut Cabana."

"I see that. Thank you." Mom set the Bath & Body Works bag on the counter and picked up her glass. "Want something to drink? I have soda."

"No, I'm fine. So you're in charge of the yard sale again this year? If I get a chance, I'll get together some things I don't wear anymore and get them to you."

"The Bible Study Ladies will appreciate it." She motioned toward the sofa, so Arryn walked over and sat. Her mother followed and eased into a side chair. "How's your dad?"

"Better."

"Is he seeing anyone?"

Arryn shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Well, I'm sure you take very good care of him."

She should have taken her mother up on that drink. Something stronger than soda. Arryn swallowed hard. "I have something to tell you."

"What? That you and Gianna are over, and she's already flown off to New York with another woman?"

Arryn flinched. "How did you..."

"Know? Jo-Ann Ellis' daughter works in the same building as Gianna."

Damn, all this time, her mom had known and had been waiting to throw the news in her face. She hung her head. "I'm sorry. I know you liked Gia." The only reason her mother hadn't flown off the handle when Arryn announced she was bisexual, was that her girlfriend Gianna was successful. Besides, Mom could hold it over the ladies in her study group that she was Cool Accepting Liberal White Mom.

Her mom flapped her hand. "How could you let her get away? You could have had a wonderful life. Travel, social status, a fine home."

"She didn't love me."

Mom rolled her eyes. "Well, maybe that's because you don't take care of yourself. I understand that Sydney is quite fashionable. Jo-Ann said Janey told her that Sydney has over six-thousand followers on that Instant Cam app. It might help if you stopped wearing frumpy hippie clothes, and presented yourself as more affluent."

Arryn grit her teeth and glanced down at her shirt and ragged jeans. "What's wrong with this outfit?"

Her mother's gaze went from head to toes, back up again, and settled on Arryn's face. "Honestly, you dress like my mother. Nobody is wearing large floral prints right now. And those flared sleeves look as if they might set sail."

"This happens to be a style. It's called Boho, and believe it or not, it's in." Arryn congratulated herself for standing up to her mother. She'd gotten used to the constant disapproval, and most days accepted it. But not today.

Her mother took another drink and ignored the remark. "So if you're single again, I have someone in mind. He's a bit older, by four or five years, but he's attractive and has an insurance office in Peachtree Tower. If you want to check him out, he does commercials during the news."

This was no time to appear desperate. She couldn't let Mom have the upper hand. Well, she'd already had it, but it was time to change that. "I'm already seeing someone. A teacher." What was happening? She was sass-talking her mother. Before she could go on, the doorbell rang, and she went to answer it. Talk about saved by the bell.

"Oh, Arryn," Mrs. Tovar said. "I thought I recognized your car." The frail woman shoved two brown bags toward her. "I brought you some fresh bread and hoped you'd take a loaf to your grandfather."

Mrs. Tovar had always had a thing for Abuelito. Funny that women her age were still interested in men. Arryn turned that over in her mind. Would she be trying to find a spouse when she was in her seventies? Breath caught in the back of her throat. Lord Jesus, she should start baking bread now. All she needed was to add more cats. "I'll be happy to. Thank you."

"Leslie tells me you're engaged."

Mom sprung from her chair like a jumping jack and waved a hand in the air. "Oh, that's all off the table, Carol. I misspoke. Arryn's managed to let another one get away. But no need to worry. She's already seeing someone else. Let's keep our fingers crossed this one works out."

Anger rose in Arryn's cheeks. She had to get out of there before her sass became involuntary momslaughter. Because she wasn't sure how much longer she could control herself, she grabbed her purse and inched past the old woman. "Nice to see you, Mrs. Tovar." When she reached the doorway, she turned back to Mom. "I have to go."

Mom set her drink down. "Oh, all right. You should come more often. Keep me up to date about what's going on in your life so I don't have to hear it through the grapevine."

"I will. Bye."

Mom yelled from the door. "Tell your dad hello."

"Will do," she said over her shoulder.

After leaving, Arryn fumed for the next several miles. More affluent, my ass. Did her mother think Gianna left because of the way Arryn dressed? That was a ridiculous notion. Or was it? Maybe he'd wanted someone more sophisticated. A woman who sat on various charity boards, studied art literature, and crooked a pinky when she drank tea. Arryn didn't do those things, but she had plenty of good physical qualities. White guys always called her exotic, as if being half Puerto Rican made her some sort of endangered pelican. She willed the negativity away and turned toward Papi's to deliver the bread. A short visit with him always lifted her spirits, and after the encounter with Mom, they were at rock bottom.

Hours later, back at home, she studied her outfit in the mirror, first turning one way, then the other. She liked the look. Mom didn't have a clue what was in or out when it came to fashion. She had twelve different colored replicas of the same bandage dress in her closet, so what did she know? Besides, what did she expect her to wear on a Tuesday?

"Hey, you two," she said to Arsenic and Old Lace, who sprawled in the middle of the bed. "Do these jeans look bad? What about the big flowery shirt, in or out?" Neither cat moved. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Arryn undressed, put on a pair of pajama pants and an old tee-shirt, then went to the kitchen. She returned with a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos, a bottle of water, and her laptop. Piling pillows behind her, she crawled onto the bed and sat crossed legged. It was time to get serious. Write her article, and maybe snag someone worthy in the process. She'd show her mom, and catch someone that wanted more than arm candy. Damn her.

To do that, a checklist of qualities might make an interesting article. Get your head straight about what type of partner you're searching for and not waste time. Nobody was perfect, but guidelines would help. She'd tailor the list according to her tastes and encourage readers to do the same for theirs. Opening the laptop, she typed.

If you're single and want to end that status, I suggest you make a list of what you want in a mate. Mine are below. Your preferences may be different, but if you're a member of a dating site, they will help keep you focused on making the right choices.

She drew her brows together. What was the main thing she insisted on?

1. Family-Must want children and this is non-negotiable.

2. Faithfulness-Once they vow to forsake all others, I expect no less.

3. Romance-I want someone who kisses me for no reason, and hugs me because they want to touch me. Random texts or calls. Too much to ask? Absolutely not.

Arryn opened the bag of cheetos and shoved one in her mouth. She pulled a tissue from the box on the table, wiped her cheesy fingers, took a sip of water, and continued.

4. Humor-The ability to laugh at themselves and make others laugh.

5. Generosity-Must give to those less fortunate. Time or money.

Old Lace roused and groomed Arsenic, licking her face. Arryn smiled at the display of affection.

6. Animal lover-Or at least, animal liker. Especially cats.

7. Ambitious-They don't have to be focused on climbing the ladder but have enough desire to advance in some regard.

Concentrate, she told herself. This would help keep her focused on qualified people. Even though she was only twenty-nine, things couldn't be left to chance. Her biological clock wasn't just ticking, it was chiming like Big Ben.

8. Intelligent-Book smart is good, but for me, common sense is more important.

9. Sexually attractive-Let's face it. Most relationships aren't going to work without sexual attraction.

10. Dominance/Assertive-The kind where they take charge or makes a stand to defend their beliefs. Someone comfortable with who they are. One who can be strong, but not afraid to show their softer side.

She read over the list. With some tweaking, it'd be ready to submit. If she met someone with the majority of those points, she'd be happy. One thing was for sure. She didn't want a relationship who did magic unless it was in the bedroom, and any sweet nothings whispered better not be in text speak.

She's making a list, she's checking it twice....

How do you guys think Rhys and Arryn will meet, or will they?

TEASER: "She has a new girlfriend for you."

Hm, wonder what that's about?