Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 62

The second person Bonnie met for a date was a bank manager, thirty-seven years old, divorced, and already had a young son.

She didn’t figure that out until she was sitting across the table from him, scanning the info packet left for her. For a second, she caught the way his eyes lit up when he looked at her, and it made her wonder if there had been some kind of mistake.

Two days ago, Ned’s aunt had called her up. She explained that the owner of Love Begins Here was doing business out of town, expanding the wedding planning company, and had taken her along with a few other coworkers to check things out. That meant Bonnie’s matchmaking arrangements were handed over, at the last minute, to a newbie. Ned’s aunt had told her not to worry, that all the candidates had already been carefully screened, and Bonnie just needed to meet them, one at a time.

Bonnie trusted her, so even though she hadn’t actually gotten any details from the new matchmaker, she showed up for tea as asked.

But still, Bonnie knew Ned’s aunt. She was straightforward, very capable, definitely not the type to set her up with someone fourteen years older and already divorced. Bonnie guessed the new matchmaker was just inexperienced and probably mixed people up.

Bonnie was just about to call and check, but the guy across from her spoke first.

“Kite? Hi, hi, I’m Omnia Vanitas. Wow, you’re so much more beautiful than your photos…”

Bonnie frowned. The matchmaker had mentioned the codename: Omnia Vanitas. So there really hadn't been a mistake. This was the date.

Trying to tuck her confusion away, Bonnie simply nodded and sat politely, not sure what to say. She was very aware that their backgrounds and expectations were completely out of sync.

The guy didn’t seem to mind at all. He poured her some water with a big smile and leaned forward. “You’re so young and gorgeous. Why did you decide to try blind dating? Your profile is incredible. You went to Cabinda University, your parents both have good government jobs. In Cabinda, that's a really solid family background. With all that going for you, how come...”

He hesitated, looking a little awkward, but then went ahead anyway. “How did you agree to meet someone like me? Sorry if I’m being blunt. I’ve been through a failed marriage, so I’m a bit extra cautious. I figure, since this is a blind date, better to be straightforward. Do you... have some kind of flaw?”

Before Bonnie could even respond, there was a sharp clatter from the booth on the other side of the screen. It sounded like someone set a cup down a bit too hard.

Nobody paid it much attention. Just a little background noise.

Abbot let out a silent sigh. Lawrence had gone through stacks and stacks of profiles, picking this man himself. Now that the match was actually happening, Lawrence was the one in a terrible mood.

Abbot handed Lawrence a napkin. Lawrence took it, slowly wiping the warm, sticky tea from his leg. The heat soaked through, leaving an uncomfortable, clammy feeling. It was a perfect match for his emotions. He felt like he could hardly breathe.

***

Later, Bonnie checked in about what happened. The new matchmaker, who turned out to be a year younger than Bonnie herself, apologized over and over again and begged her not to mention it to Ophelia.

Ned’s aunt was a senior staff member and a bit of a leader, so the younger matchmaker was scared she’d get in trouble.

Bonnie just let it go. It was such a small thing. She put it out of her mind and went right back to her life and work, business as usual.