Better Than Tinder

Chapter Three

I followed the Greek God into his office, nervously clutching the stack of papers to my chest. Simon's workplace was a time capsule from the '90s, filled with faded posters of romantic landscapes and outdated technology. Despite the retro vibe, it lacked the expected stench of cigarettes, which was a relief.

Simon gestured towards a plush armchair that seemed well-worn yet inviting. I sank into it, feeling strangely comforted by its soft embrace, as if it had stories to tell from years of matchmaking tales.

"So... Miss Walsh—" Simon began, but I quickly interjected.

"Please call me Ava," I blurted out, instantly regretting my interruption. Simon, however, took it in stride, flashing a disarming smile.

"-Ava. Well, Ava... let's get to work, shall we?"

Handing over the paperwork, I felt a surge of nervousness. Pouring out my dating history and preferences to a stranger—albeit an incredibly attractive one—felt surreal. Simon's easygoing demeanour and charming smile, however, quickly put me at ease.

As we delve into the forms, Simon sprinkles our conversation with light banter and occasional jokes, turning what could have been an awkward interrogation into a surprisingly enjoyable experience. He has a knack for making me feel like I'm catching up with an old friend rather than dissecting my romantic pitfalls.

"So, Ava," Simon begins, glancing at the form. "What's your idea of the perfect date? And please don't say Netflix and chill."

I chuckle. "Well, that's off the table, then. I guess something simple, like a walk in the park followed by a nice dinner. What about you?" I don't even know why I am asking this man questions about his dream date, but I can't help myself. There's something about him that makes me want to know more, to keep the conversation going beyond the mundane checklist.

He leans back in his chair, pretending to ponder. "Hmm, I'd say skydiving followed by a gourmet meal at the top of the Eiffel Tower."

"Oh, very casual," I quip, rolling my eyes.

He grins. "What can I say? I like to keep things interesting."

As we move on to the next question, he asks, "So, what's your biggest pet peeve on a date?"

"Easy," I reply. "Talking with your mouth full. It's like, I get it, you're enthusiastic about the food, but I don't need to see it."

Simon laughs. "Noted. I'll remember to chew with my mouth closed if we ever have dinner together."

I raise an eyebrow. "Who says I'd even agree to a date with you?"

He puts a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Ouch. You wound me, Ava. I thought we were bonding here."

"We are," I say, smiling. "But I have standards, you know."

He leans in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I'm well aware. That's why I'm asking all these questions—gotta make sure I'm up to snuff."

I roll my eyes again, but I can't help the smile tugging at my lips. "Okay, next question, Mr. Adler. What's your deal breaker?"

He doesn't hesitate. "Lack of a sense of humour. Life's too short to take everything seriously."

"I couldn't agree more," I say. "So, then, what's the funniest thing that's happened to you recently?"

Simon's eyes light up. "Oh, that's an easy one. I was setting up a blind date last week, and somehow, I mixed up the profiles. The guy was expecting someone who loves hiking and the outdoors, and instead, he got someone who's terrified of bugs and prefers staying indoors. Needless to say, it was an interesting evening for them."

I laugh. "I bet you had to do some damage control after that."

"You have no idea," he says, shaking his head. "But hey, it keeps things exciting around here."

As we continue through the forms, I find myself genuinely enjoying the conversation. Simon has a way of making even the most mundane questions feel like part of a lively chat. By the time we finish, I feel more at ease than I have in a long time, and I realise I'm actually looking forward to seeing what matches he'll find for me.

"Well, I think that's everything," Simon says, putting the last form aside. "I'll start sifting through the profiles and see if we can find someone who meets your impeccable standards."

"Thank you, Mister Adler," I said sincerely, rising from the armchair. "I appreciate your help today."

Simon's warm smile widened. "Call me Simon," he insisted. "I'll start looking into potential matches for you right away. Expect a call soon."

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