Sleet Sugar by S.J. Tilly

CHAPTER NINETEEN

IZZY

“R

emind me again how I let you talk me into doing this alone?” I ask Meghan over the phone.

I need to leave for the speed dating bullshit in about 20 minutes, but I’m starting to get cold feet. So now I’m stuck standing in my closet, wearing a matching set of purple lace boy shorts and push-up bra. The push-up part is probably a bit overkill. With this on, if I get bored I can just slouch in a chair and rest my chin on my boobs.

“Izz. Isabelle. This is what you wanted, remember? You wanted to put yourself out there and find a guy who isn’t Zachary Hunt, the hot-as-fuck hockey player. And let me tell you, you won’t find any Zachary Hunts at this place.” She chuckles.

“Is that supposed to comfort me?!” My voice is getting screechy, but I can’t help it.

“Yes, that should comfort you a great deal.” She sounds sincere.

“How?”

“Because no one, and I mean absolutely no one at this speed dating thing will be nearly as intimidating as Zach. You made it through a one-on-one date with that studly hockey player. Trust me, you can make it through this.”

I sigh. “I wish you were coming with me.”

“Me too, bitch. You get to have all the fun, and I’m stuck working," she says, then mutters - "Stupid charity auction.”

“Hmm, you probably shouldn’t say that. What was this group raising money for?”

“Who knows. Dingleberries. Something like that...” Meghan’s voice trails off, then I hear her shout something about helium.

“I doubt that’s correct.”

“Yeah, whatever, no one will ask me. Okay, I have to go before I strangle this moron over here with a balloon arch. Wear the black dress. You look hot as fuck in it. A little naughty secretary if you ask me.”

“I didn’t.”

She ignores me. “Have fun!”

“Wait! Are you still planning to pick me up afterwards?”

“Duh. I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I’ll be done before you, so I’ll be waiting for you outside.”

And with that, she hangs up.