by Emma Hart
Table of Contents
THE INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO SPEED DATING
Copyright
CHAPTER ONE – LONDON
CHAPTER TWO – LONDON
CHAPTER THREE – LONDON
CHAPTER FOUR – OLIVER
CHAPTER FIVE – LONDON
CHAPTER SIX – LONDON
CHAPTER SEVEN – LONDON
CHAPTER EIGHT – OLIVER
CHAPTER NINE – LONDON
CHAPTER TEN – LONDON
CHAPTER ELEVEN – LONDON
CHAPTER TWELVE – LONDON
CHAPTER THIRTEEN – OLIVER
CHAPTER FOURTEEN – LONDON
CHAPTER FIFTEEN – LONDON
CHAPTER SIXTEEN – OLIVER
EPILOGUE – LONDON
The End
THE INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO BLIND DATING
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BOOKS BY EMMA HART
THE INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO SPEED DATING
The Introvert’s Guide series, #2
Emma Hart
Copyright
Copyright © Emma Hart, 2021
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Cover Design by Emma Hart
CHAPTER ONE – LONDON
RULE ONE: STOP TELLING PEOPLE HOW MUCH YOU HATE PEOPLE.
“All right, guys, it’s time to move on to your next date!”
I almost sighed in relief as the guy in front of me moved on. He was most definitely not the kind of guy I could take home to my son.
That was the problem with speed dating.
The chance of me actually meeting anyone I would get along with was slim.
So why was I here, speed dating, you ask?
It was a favor to my aunt. After the whole blind date success thing earlier this year on Valentine’s, she’d decided that she wanted to have semi-regular events at the bar.
Speed dating was one of them.
And it sucked.
Partially because I wasn’t that great at dating—the small human I’d birthed several years ago was a bit time consuming—and partially because my cousin was in charge.
I couldn’t believe she’d been in a relationship for almost a year. Sebastian Stone had the patience of an absolute saint to put up with Holley’s slightly neurotic ways, because I’d been with her half an hour, and I wanted to throw her binder at her.
The next guy sat down in front of me. He was cute, if a little young for me, but he had kind eyes and a nice smile, so I’d play along.
Play along I did, for the whole two minutes I had with Mr. Babyface over here.
Two more guys I felt zero attraction to followed him, and after that, a break was called. I escaped my seat and beelined for Holley, who was talking to her mom, my aunt Jasmine.
“I’m leaving.”
She turned when I tapped her arm. “No! You can’t.”
“I have to relieve my sitter. Piper needs Felicity in early in the morning so I promised I wouldn’t stay out late. Besides, Leo has soccer practice after school tomorrow so I have a long day.”
“One more round. Please?”
“I can’t. Holley, there’s absolutely nobody here I’d go out with.” I shrugged and zipped up my coat. “I’m sorry. I really do need to go.”
“Let her go,” Aunt Jasmine said, touching her shoulder. “Thanks, London. I really appreciate it. We’re doing it again on Friday, so will you come then?”
I hesitated. “I can’t keep paying Felicity. The paper isn’t exactly paying me spectacularly just yet.”
“Which is horse crap considering you’re basically the editor.”
“Well, as long as Ebony is still there, she’s picking up the wage, even if I’m doing most of her job.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “So there’s not a lot I can do about it.”
“Anthony will watch him,” Aunt Jasmine offered. “He loves spending time with Leo. Last time he saw him he moaned at me for twenty minutes that I’d never birthed a boy for him.”
I fought back a laugh. “Does he know that’s down to his swimmers?”
“How do you think I got him to shut up?” She grinned.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure. He won’t mind at all. He’ll come to your house, too.”
I sighed. “Okay, fine. But it’s the last time! I’m not doing it again after that.”
Holley’s eyes glittered. “Okay. I’m finding you a date, I swear. Piper, too.”
“Piper will not be amused.”
“Piper is never amused. It’s fine.” She waved her hand dismissively and looked over my shoulder. “If you need to go, go. Someone else in the bar will step in for you. Before I change my mind.”
I didn’t need to be told twice.
I darted out to the parking lot and got into my car, then quickly texted Felicity that I was on my way home. It was only the second time she’d babysat for me, but she got on really well with Leo.
It probably helped that she always came armed with donuts from the bakery.
If there was one way to my son’s heart, it was a road paved with fresh donuts.
Come to think of it, that was a road to mine, too.
It didn’t take long to get home. It was definitely a perk of living in a small town—I didn’t miss the traffic of the city at all. I was grateful for my time there. If I’d stayed in White Peak I wouldn’t have my journalistic experience or my son, but now was definitely the right time to come back.
Especially since Leo’s dad didn’t even live in the state anymore. He’d been the only reason I’d stayed away as long as I had.
I sighed and pulled into the driveway. All the lights were off except the living room and the upstairs bathroom, which meant Leo was either asleep or he was on the toilet.
I sincerely hoped it was sleeping.
I was out of air freshener, and boys were gross.
I let myself into the house and called out to Felicity. “It’s only me!” I walked into the living room and found her sitting cross-legged on the sofa in her pajamas, watching Schitt’s Creek. I grinned.
“Hi, London!” She waved at me, eyes fixed on the TV. “Wow, this show is so good.”
“I told you.” Laughing, I shrugged off my coat. “Is Leo in bed?”
“He sure is. He was asleep when I checked on him ten minutes ago.”
“Goddamn it, you’re good. If you ever need to run away from home, you can come and stay with me.”
Felicity laughed, and her beautiful curly hair bounced when she shook. “Do you mind if I finish this episode before I go home? There’s only ten minutes left.”
“You carry on. I promised Piper I’d be home early, and I am. Oh, before I forget.” I reached into my purse and pulled out thirty dollars for her. We’d agreed on twenty—she hadn’t been here even two hours—but she’d gotten my kid to sleep.
That was a bonus right there.
“Are you sure?” she asked as she took the money.
“Is my child asleep?” I winked at her. “Would you like a drink or anything bef
ore you go?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m fine. I’ll just finish this episode and get out of your hair.”
“I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” I smiled and bowed out, leaving her to finish the fourth episode of season one.
I hesitated in the kitchen. It was too late for coffee, I didn’t want tea, and I couldn’t decide if it was too late to open a bottle of wine or not. I hadn’t been drinking all night—and I didn’t drink a lot unless I didn’t have to wake up for Leo, which was rare.
Hmm.
I opened the fridge and looked at the bottle. That was a lot of effort to find the corkscrew and pop the bottle.
I’d just get some juice.
My phone pinged from inside my purse, and I walked to the dining table where I’d put it. I retrieved it from the depths of the abyss that was the contents of my purse and checked the notifications.
Christopher.
Ugh.
What did he want?
I opened the text from my ex and my son’s father and read it.
CHRIS: Work just told me they’re sending me to Idaho and North Dakota for two weeks.
ME: Congratulations?
CHRIS: Sorry, hit send before I was done.
CHRIS: I talked my boss into letting me have the weekends off. Do you have any plans with Leo for the next two weekends?
ME: I think he has a soccer game in two weeks, but otherwise, no.
CHRIS: If I get an Air BnB can I have him for the weekends?
ME: He’s your son. Of course you can.
CHRIS: Thanks. I know it’s hard since we moved.
ME: You moved. I came home after you did.
CHRIS: I don’t want to fight with you, London.
ME: I’m not fighting, I’m just pointing it out. Don’t make it out like this is on me when you’re the one who moved to Florida.
CHRIS: Work made me, you know that.
ME: I do, but it’s still your decision.
ME: The point stands that Leo is your son and I will never keep him from you. All I ask is that you don’t take him too far out of town because he has basketball practice on Sunday mornings, soccer on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and I’m pretty sure there’s a mini soccer tournament next Saturday.
CHRIS: He tells me about it every time we speak. I’ll get a place within twenty miles of White Peak.
ME: Thank you. Will you do practice and the tournament with him?
CHRIS: I’d love to. Will you be there?
ME: Not at the practices if you are, but yes to the tournament. He’s worked hard and his coach already said he’s in goal.
CHRIS: I’m sure we can be nice to each other for one day.
ME: As long as you don’t say anything stupid.
“London? I’m going to head home now.”
I jerked my head up and it took me a moment to register Felicity’s words. “Oh, of course. Sorry, my ex is texting me and he gives me a headache.” I put down my phone and walked her to the door. “Thank you so much for tonight. I really appreciate it.”
She smiled. “It’s my pleasure. He’s a good kid, even if he made me sit through twenty minutes of watching some Spanish dude save goals on YouTube.”
I grimaced. “David de Gea. His favorite goalkeeper in the English Premier League. Sorry.”
“It’s fine. It kept him busy until bedtime.” She shrugged. “If you ever need me again, just let me know.”
“I will. Thank you so much, Felicity. Let me know when you get home.”
“I will do, thanks!”
I waited at the door until she was safely in her car, had waved goodbye once more, and her car was no longer in my view, then I went back inside where I hunted down the corkscrew and rescued some wine from a bottle.
I had another message from Chris, but I saved that until I’d checked on Leo who was, mercifully, fast asleep, and I was nestled on the sofa with my wine and Schitt’s Creek.
CHRIS: You’re the one most likely to say something stupid.
ME: Better to say it than do it.
He’d know. He was the one who cheated.
CHRIS: Okay then, we’re done here. Can you send me the address of his training centers and I’ll look for places nearby?
ME: Only one center. I’ll send the website.
CHRIS: Thanks, London. By lunch tomorrow would be great so I can find a suitable place.
ME: I’m not your secretary.
CHRIS: Whenever you’re ready.
ME: I’ll send when I get to work in the morning.
CHRIS: Thank you.
I put my phone down and sipped my wine. We had a somewhat tempestuous relationship which, given that my then-boss caught him with another woman at a restaurant, is to be expected.
Regardless of what he did to me, he was still Leo’s dad. I hated that he’d moved away for work, but he’d never been anything but a fantastic father. He paid his way and then some, never hesitating to buy him new soccer boots or anything else he wanted, and he always had a good time when they were together.
As long as they were alone and his girlfriend wasn’t there.
Shit.
Was his girlfriend coming with him? He was working, but there was every chance she’d muscle her way in.
I grabbed my phone again.
ME: Are you coming alone?
CHRIS: Yes. I haven’t seen Leo in person for three months. He’s more important than her, London.
ME: I was just asking. He’ll want to know.
CHRIS: I’ll call him and tell him when I’ve found a place.
ME: Okay. I’ll talk to you in the morning.
With that, I really did put my phone down.
As long as his girlfriend wasn’t coming.
That was about the only thing good about him living so far away, that Leo never had to see her. If he had his way, he never would again, but I had a feeling Chris was going to take it to the next level with her and it would be impossible for Leo to get out of it.
I blew out a long breath and picked up my glass, taking a big swig of the wine.
I was so looking forward to seeing Christopher again.
Not.
CHAPTER TWO – LONDON
RULE TWO: YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO TALK TO PEOPLE. IT’S KIND OF IMPORTANT.
“I reject that wholeheartedly.”
I sighed and looked at Ebony. “There’s nothing wrong with that ad spread. Tori is a great designer and you’ve already rejected three.”
Ebony clicked the ‘x’ and closed the image viewer. “It’s too busy.”
“Then you’re going to have to start telling the businesses to send their own advertisements in. You know who they’re all going to call? Tori.”
The editor stared at me. “Just because you worked for a big hot shot newspaper in a city doesn’t mean—”
“How’s the next issue coming?” Our boss and the paper’s owner, Mr. Chester, poked his head around the door of Ebony’s office. “Have we had the advertisements from Victoria yet?”
“Yes, sir,” I answered quickly. “And Ebony has rejected all four of her submissions for this issue.”
He rolled his eyes. “Ebony, I am not going to keep paying her for amendments to perfectly good ads. I want them emailed to me immediately, and I will make the final decision.”
She swallowed. “Yes, Mr. Chester.”
“Thank you.” He turned to me. “London, I’d like to speak with you if you have a moment.”
Uh-oh.
“Of course. I was about to head out for lunch so I’m not busy.”
“You can take it after.” He nodded for me to follow him, and I hurried out of Ebony’s office after the pot-bellied older man until we reached his office. “Come on in and shut the door.”
I did as I was asked, then took a seat opposite him at his ornately carved desk. “Is there a problem?”
“No, no problem. I just read the article you supplied for this week’s Sunday paper.”
I swallowed. “
Is it bad?”
“No, it’s exceptionally well written. I don’t often read your articles, but this one has impressed me.” He slid a printed copy of the article over to me. “I have an arrangement with Sebastian Stone to do a special paper on his sports center. It’ll include interviews with him and his business partner, interviews with parents and students, write ups and articles, and it’ll be an entire paper.”
“That sounds incredible. My son attends and it’s a wonderful place.”
“My granddaughter is a part of his softball program. I agree.” He leaned forward on his desk, touching his fingertips together. “I’d like you to pull the entire paper together.”
I blinked at him.
What?
“The—the whole thing?”
Mr. Chester nodded slowly. “Yes. It will take you time to pull together, so you can start from this afternoon. Of course, Sydney will be on hand to take photos for you for all your interviews.”
“You want me to do the entire paper by myself?”
“I can assign you one of the interns to act as an assistant for scheduling and research purposes, but yes. That is what I’m offering you, London. You’ll naturally receive a bonus for the work you put in.”
“Why aren’t you asking Ebony? Isn’t this her wheelhouse?”
“Ebony is very busy overlooking the general publication of the newspaper.” His eyes twinkled. “Your personal relationship with Sebastian and Dylan, plus your son’s attendance, gives you a leg up here. As do your writing skills.”
Oh.
Oh, okay.
“I would be honored to,” I responded honestly. “How long is the assignment for?”