Imperfect Fit

Chapter 6-Blind Dates

JOANNA

"How about this one?"

I step out into the living room, spinning around so Oli can get the full effect of the dress. It's a simple, short sleeve black dress with a wide neckline, but I'm nervous it shows off too much of my cleavage. The length hits my mid calf and the slit down the side helps with the movement of the dress.

"Should I wear a scarf? I don't want to look like I'm asking for it on the first date, you know?" I turn sideways, checking my reflection when Oli looks up.

"You are asking for it, tonta," she says with a mouthful of chicharones. "Might as well put the girls on display. If he doesn't take the bait, he ain't the one." (dummy)

"I'm not looking for the one, Oli. I'm dipping my toe in the dating pool, not doing a cannonball into it." I adjust my bra, trying to stuff myself more inside, but it's useless.

"When's the last time you did a cannonball in a pool, huh? You're missing out, cuz." She shifts on the couch, eyes wide with excitement. "Yo, we should do the pool and steam room sometime this week after training!" She turns back to the TV, licking the tips of her fingers, cleaning the crumbs and salt from them.

"I've never done a steam room," I reply before heading back to my room and dig through a drawer of scarfs and find a sheer gold shawl. Ha! This will do!

Slipping my feet into nude wedges, I run my fingers through my hair that's down in large waves before rushing back out to the living room.

Oli is still going on about the benefits of steam rooms, "....removes toxins, burns calories and reduces stress. So, yeah, there are tons of benefits." She looks over at me and I plaster on a smile, giving her a thumbs up.

"Cool. We should definitely try it then!" Feeling slightly guilty for not hearing all of her spiel.

We look at each other when there's a knock at the door. "He's here," she whispers.

I roll my eyes. "¡No me digas!" (you don't say)

Taking a few deep breaths, I shake my head, fighting through the last minute insecurities and doubts; this is my first date as an adult with someone I've never met before. 

Grabbing my clutch from the counter, I close my eyes fighting through the panic that wants to over take my body and force myself to move toward the door. Maverick and Goose follow me. 

"Sit." They lower their eyes and lick their lips as they sit. "Now, stay."

I open the door, smiling at the well dressed, dirty blond haired man, standing in front of me. Our eyes linger on one another's faces, and his smile widens as he extends his hand out to me.

"Joanna?"

"Yes." I take his hand and shake it.

"I'm Rick. It's nice to meet you. Ezekiel and Enrique have told me a lot of nice things about you."

I smile. "They both speak very highly of you as well."

Oli not-so-gently shoves me aside. "Hi, I'm Oli." She grabs his hand, shaking it quickly. I grimace as Rick's clear green eyes glance at the residue of crumbs and oil on his hand now. "I'm the cousin and as such, it's my duty to warn you. JoJo is the youngest in her family. She has four older brothers. One of which happens to be a cop, but he's not the one you need to worry about, it's me. I can be your worst night—"

"Alright, thanks Oli." I brush past her, slightly pushing Rick back out. "Don't wait up!"

"Use protection!" Oli shouts back.