An Arranged Marriage to a Jerk

Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Speed Dating

The next day, school breezes by. The classes take next to no knowledge, and I look my best thanks to my friends and a little make-up. Connor even stops me in the hall to tell me how nice I look. I ignore him and keep walking. When the final bell rings, I rush to Sarah's house. It's dark when I get there and I throw my bag down. There's an outfit and a note lying on the kitchen table.

Allie-

My parents are at my brother's soccer game and we're at Mark's house. Change into this, fix your make-up and hair, and meet us there. Do not call anyone. 30 minutes or less- HURRY!

<3,

Sarah

I smile and put the note down. The dress is a blue with black spots and a thick black belt running through the middle. The shoes are black three-inch heels. I gently pull the dress over my head and hurry to the bathroom. My hair is a complete wreck after Spanish- we had a fiesta which included a pinata stuffed with candy- not pretty.

I pull it into an elegant bun and dab on some lip gloss and blush. I strike a silly pose in the mirror and grab the shoes. No way am I walking down her gravel driveway to my car in heels.

I feel rain hit me as I sprint to the car. I pull the door closed and see another note on my windshield. I hadn't bothered to lock my car. I've known Sarah for years and the elderly neighbors wouldn't bother walking down her long driveway to rob my car. Confused, I pick up the note and read:

Are you busy tomorrow? Call me.

-C

I know it's him before I see his 'signature.' The elegant script can only be Connor's. I ignore the note and throw it into the back seat. I'll call him, sure, but he's the last thing I want on my mind when I'm about to go on a date with another guy.

I drive five minutes until I enter Mark's quiet neighborhood. I pull into the driveway and silently close my car door. I sneak into the house and try to surprise them. But of course, they're waiting by the door.

"Don't make us kidnap you again," Nikki warns as she steers me into the kitchen.

"Where are we going?" I ask. The shush me with a gesture of their hands and push me onto a kitchen stool.

"Now, I know I told you you were going on a date with Trenton. But there's been a slight change of plans." Kim looks anxious and excited. I shift uncomfortably. "We decided last night, after you fell asleep, that we wanted to make the process a little faster for you. I mean, you'd have to go on a date every single night to make the deadline. So, we've made it a bit... simpler."

Sarah pushes open the door to reveal twenty guys sitting at individual chairs. They smile and she slams the door shut.

"TA-DA!" Mark yells. "It's speed dating! You know, you spend two minutes interviewing each guy, then give us a signal and we'll either send them home or give you more time later. At the end, you've got two or three guys that might have possibility."

"Wow," I say. It's actually a great idea. Why didn't I think of that?

"Yeah! Okay, so I'll strike this gong," Sarah takes a small hammer and gently hits a small gong, causing a low humming sound, "when your time is up. Then, you either nod your head once to signal he goes home-" Mark demonstrates and I laugh.

"Or," Nikki cuts in. "You cough to signal he stays for later." Mark coughs and ends up choking. I crack up, causing the stool to lose balance and me toppling onto the floor. Before long, we're in a fit of laughter and holding each other tightly.

"Alright," I say after a minute. "I'm ready."

I try to push open the door, but Kim stops me. "Not so fast!" She says. Each guy will be in a separate room. Here's a list to show you which room is next. You have thirty seconds to get to each room. If all goes well, it'll take two hours. Your first room is the library."

Nikki gestures for the guys to go to their rooms and they quickly obey.

"How did you-"

"Never mind!" Nikki shouts. "Just go!"

I walk through the huge house to the library. Mark's parents are very wealthy wedding planners. They were very accepting of his being gay and his father even agreed to let him train in the family business. Mark was thrilled.

I see a boy facing the window when I enter. He quickly turns and engulfs me in a hug. I step back and see that it's Mr. Saranto, Mark's father. "Hey, Mr. Saranto!" I give him a friendly kiss on the cheek. "How are you!"

He smiles. "Great. How are you? Mark's told me about your little predicament."

"Of course he did. I'm doing better. Mark has helped me a lot."

"OH, that's good. Well, I thought it would be nice for you to see a familiar face before you began. And you don't have to nod, I'm going to meet Sherry-Mrs. Saranto- at a restaurant. Have fun!"

The going sounds and he walks out of the room. "Bye!" I call out. I look at the card. My next room is Mark's bedroom, way on the other wing of the house. i sprint there, seeing Nikki laughing at me as I ran past the kitchen. I stick my tongue out at her and throw open the door.

There is Trevor, sitting on a stool near Mark's large desk. "Hey!" He says as I enter.

"Hi," i reply. I grab a seat and sit down facing him.

"So... Kim told me about Connor."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

It's an awkward conversation. This makes it easier, but still just as hard. "And?" I prompt.

"And I guess I'm okay with it. My parents are traditional. They think I should be married already. But what can i say, i'm greek!" I laugh. "So, if we end up really liking each other, I guess i could handle marriage. And being a lawyer. I know I can make good money!"

I laugh again. "Hmm, I think you may just be a keeper. The gong sounds and I rise. "I'll call you?"

"No, I'll call you. Tomorrow."

I exit the room and find Sarah watching me from a chair in the corner. I cough and she smiles. She takes his arm and directs Trevor to the couch to wait.

This will be a long night.