The Introvert's Guide to Speed Dating (The Introvert's Guide 2)

I almost rolled my eyes. “He asked if he got a lunch meeting, too. What else was I supposed to say?”

“Tell him yes it was a date. I’d smack a man with my left boob to have a date with him.”

“I’m sure if you asked Dylan or Sebastian nicely they’d let you smack them.”

“Eh, too much effort to undo the bra, isn’t it? Hold on.” She turned back to the counter, exchanged a few words with Felicity, then made a coffee and joined me. “Okay, that’s better.”

“Did you just palm your job off on your employee?”

“That’s why you have employees, London. To make them work when you don’t want to.” She grinned. “Would going on a date with Oliver be the worst thing?”

“How did we get here? I’m barely tolerating speed dating right now, let alone actually getting involved with someone. Besides, it’s not that simple.”

“I know. Leo’s a real wrench in your plans for sexual gratification, isn’t he?”

I shook my head, laughing. “Something like that. I’m happy to dip my toes in the dating pool, but I’m not going to burst into something, especially with someone I barely know.”

“It’s hard, I know. Has Holley roped you into another round of speed dating?”

“More Aunt Jasmine. She bribed me with Uncle Tony looking after Leo, but since it’s Friday night I don’t know if he’ll be able to.”

“Why not?”

“Chris is coming to town.”

“Ouch.”

“Yep.” I gave her a quick rundown of the conversation we’d had two days ago. “So I don’t know exactly what’s happening, but we’ll figure it out.”

“Perfect time for a date.”

“Don’t you start. Why don’t you go on a date if you’re so obsessed with the idea of it?”

“Because she’s being awkward.” Felicity grinned, coming over. “Can I get you anything else?”

“I’m waiting for Sebastian,” I replied. “We have a working lunch.”

“Fun. Piper, I need to put some more pastries in the oven.”

Piper nodded and finished her coffee. “I’ve got the counter. Did you make them already?”

“I did. They’re ready to go in, just need a minute to do it.”

“Perfect. Okay, I’ll be right there.” She smiled and got up. “I think you should totally think about making that lunch meet a date.”

“I think you should go and do your job,” I said dryly.

Felicity’s laughter echoed from the kitchen, and Piper rolled her eyes as she headed back toward the counter.

I pulled my phone out of my purse to check it. There was a link from Chris that showed me the place he was renting. It was nicer than my actual house, which really just showed how different our lives were. I texted him to say that was a good spot and that I’d make sure Leo was around tonight so they could video chat.

“How’s my favorite person?” Seb slipped into the seat opposite me that Piper had recently vacated.

“Does your girlfriend know you’re sweet-talking her cousin?”

“She told me to be nice. I thought I’d be extra nice, given you’re writing a sweet piece on me.”

“Sweet piece? We’ll see.” My lips curved into a smile. “Did you get my email?”

“I did. Pretty hefty paper, isn’t it?”

“Mr. Chester is obviously very grateful for your donation.”

He laughed and leaned forward. “I’m sure he is. Let me order a—”

Piper set a coffee down in front of him. “Sandwiches? Your usual?”

“Hello to you, too,” Seb drawled. “That’d be great, thanks.”

I nodded in agreement, and she walked away laughing.

“Coffee,” Seb said after a moment. “I was going to order a coffee.”

I grinned.

“Let’s start with the simple stuff. What do you need from me, specifically?”

“I would like to interview you on your career and what led you to open the sports center,” I said slowly. “I’d like to ask you how you formed the idea, the process to opening it, and how you run it now and highlight the programs you offer. And… I know your injury is a tough spot, so you can absolutely submit me questions regarding that so you’re as comfortable as possible.”

Seb rubbed his chin. “No, I trust you. I know you’ll scratch anything I’m not comfortable with, but I also understand that my injury is the reason this center was created.” He met my eyes. “You have carte blanche with me, London.”

Dang.

Okay.

“Okay, but if there is anything specific you don’t want to discuss, please let me know.” I sipped my coffee. “I’d also like you to do a walk through of the center so we can discuss all the facilities you have, and I’d appreciate as many interviews as I can get with your coaches and members of staff.”

“I don’t see why that should be a problem. Some might not prefer their photos to be taken.”

“I understand. We have releases for all your staff and consent forms for all your attending children. If possible, Mr. Chester would like everyone to be emailed the consent forms and photo releases so we can feature them in the paper. And if any of the parents would answer some questions, that would be amazing.”