A solo weekend that promised peace takes an unexpected turn: flirty texts, a first date, and the potential need for two voodoo dolls. 

Sarah awoke to a familiar silence. Just the soft purring of Mr. Socks, her ever-faithful feline companion, curled up at the foot of her bed.

She stretched, her eyes scanning the familiar chaos of her bedroom. The room was a testament to her multifaceted life: a blend of ambition, indulgence, and a touch of neglect.

The walls, once a pristine white, were now adorned with a collage of postcards from places she'd dreamed of visiting, interspersed with photos capturing fleeting moments of past adventures. A string of fairy lights zigzagged across the headboard, though half the bulbs had long since burned out, casting a lopsided glow during her occasional late-night musings.

Her nightstand was a curated mess. An empty wine glass teetered atop a stack of novels—some half-read, others merely decorative. A vintage alarm clock, perpetually five minutes slow, sat beside a notepad filled with scribbled reminders and doodles of furniture designs, hinting at her suppressed passion.

Across the room, a wardrobe stood with its doors slightly ajar, revealing a haphazard array of clothing. Dresses she hadn't worn in months hung alongside business attire, the latter bearing witness to her reluctant commitment to the corporate world. On top of the wardrobe, shoeboxes labeled "Memories" collected dust, their contents long forgotten.

The floor was a minefield of discarded outfits, mismatched socks, and the occasional stray gummy worm—a guilty pleasure she often indulged in during moments of introspection. Near the window, a yoga mat lay rolled up, a silent reminder of New Year's resolutions made and abandoned.

The room smelled faintly of lavender, a scent from a candle she'd lit days ago but never bothered to extinguish properly, leaving a trail of hardened wax on the windowsill.

Sarah: "Do tell. Did you find a bratwurst that changed your life?"

Kelsie: "Haha, no! It's about this guy... I'll spill everything when I'm back! It's... wild. 🫣🔥😬"

Rolling her eyes, Sarah muttered, "Wasn't she in a committed relationship like two seconds ago?.." She couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. While she was here, battling dust bunnies and expired takeout containers, Kelsie was off having whirlwind adventures.

After hours of cleaning, Sarah collapsed onto her freshly fluffed couch, Mr. Socks hopping up to nestle beside her. She glanced at her phone, Kelsie's messages still on the screen.

The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: it had been months since she'd been on a date. Her social life was as dusty as the top shelf she'd just cleaned.

Impulsively, she navigated to the app store and downloaded a dating app. As it installed, she felt a flutter in her stomach—a blend of anticipation and anxiety.

"Alright, Sarah," she murmured to herself, "time to put yourself out there."

Her heart raced. Excitement bubbled up, but so did a nagging voice in her head.

"What if no one matches? What if they do? What if this is a terrible idea?"

She shook her head, silencing the doubts.

"It's just an app," she told herself. "No pressure."

Yet, as she began to swipe through profiles, a mix of hope and trepidation coursed through her.

"Here's to new adventures," she whispered, taking a sip of wine and diving into the digital dating pool.

As Sarah delved into the world of online dating, she quickly realized it was a mixed bag of hilarity and horror.

Match #1: Aaron, 33

Aaron: "Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears."

Sarah: "Impressive. Do you have a hat with a rabbit too?"

Aaron: "Only on special occasions. 😉"

Sarah chuckled but decided to move on.

Match #2: Sadie, 29

Sadie: "Hey! I have a cat, too! Wanna see if our cats get along?"

Sarah: "Shouldn't we see first if WE get along?..."

Match #3: Lindsay, 34

Lindsay: “I’m a Virgo. You?”

Sarah: “Exhausted.”

But one chat stood out—a cute, vibrant brunette named Jordan. Confident, funny, with just the right amount of chaotic energy. 

They agreed to meet for drinks that evening at The Violet Hour in Wicker Park—a trendy spot renowned for its dramatic lighting and exceptional cocktails.​

As the day progressed, Sarah found herself both excited and nervous. It had been a long time since her last first date, and she wanted to feel confident and comfortable. After some deliberation, she chose an outfit that she felt was chic yet relaxed: her favorite pair of fitted jeans that flattered her figure, a sleek black sweater, and black suede flats. She added a touch of glamour with red lipstick and simple hoop earrings. A spritz of her beloved 'By the Fireplace' fragrance from Replica completed the ensemble, enveloping her in a warm, smoky scent that always made her feel alluring.

Sarah arrived at The Violet Hour, a chic cocktail lounge nestled in Wicker Park neighborhood. The place was renowned for its artisanal cocktails and intimate ambiance, with a discreet, almost hidden, entrance, adding an air of exclusivity. Inside, the dim lighting and plush seating exuded sophistication, with tall-backed chairs that offered a sense of privacy even amidst a full house. The atmosphere was both inviting and slightly intimidating, setting the stage for an evening of possibilities.

Spotting Jordan at the bar—a tall goddess with an infectious smile—Sarah took a deep breath and approached. Jordan's short, dark hair shimmered with navy highlights, styled in a tousled pixie cut that framed her angular face. She wore a barely-there top that revealed her tender skin, adorned with layered necklaces that showcased her impeccable taste. A black leather jacket hung effortlessly over her shoulders, paired with tight jeans and biker boots that exuded confidence. As Sarah drew nearer, a captivating scent enveloped her—notes of sage, wood, salt, smoke, and a hint of sweetness—that made her knees momentarily weak. 

"Sarah?" Jordan greeted, her eyes sparkling with recognition.

"That's me," Sarah replied, sliding onto the barstool beside her.

As they perused the menu, Jordan launched into a monologue about her recent dating escapades. She recounted tales of mismatched expectations, humorous misunderstandings, and the occasional bizarre encounter.

"So, last week, I went out with this girl who wouldn't stop talking about her ex. I mean, non-stop. I could’ve been the bartender for how much I learned about her emotional baggage."

Sarah chuckled. "I’ve been on that date. Except mine was with a guy who brought a list of 'must-have qualities' like he was hiring for a job."

Jordan laughed. "Wait till you hear this. There was also this woman who brought her pet parrot to the date. A parrot! And then spent the whole time feeding it little cracker pieces and whispering to it like it was her therapist."

Sarah laughed. "I went on a date once with a guy who brought a checklist. Like, an actual list. He asked if I had 'a robust sense of direction' and 'a five-year plan.'”

"Oh my god." Jordan leaned in, eyes wide. "I had a woman bring her parrot to the date. She fed it crackers and whispered things like, 'She seems emotionally avoidant, doesn’t she, Muffin?'"

Sarah opened her mouth, ready to share the story about the guy who brought his mother to dinner—but Jordan plowed on.

"And then there was the one who ghosted me and came back just to ask if I could design a tattoo for her new girlfriend. Like, sweetheart, I’m not your free trial."

Sarah smiled tightly. Not that she didn’t have dating horror stories—oh, she had them. Like the woman who tried to sell her essential oils before the appetizers arrived. But Jordan didn’t really seem interested in sharing.

When Sarah finally pulled out her phone to check the time, Jordan froze.

"Oh god, am I rambling? Tell me to shut up—I will shut up."

"Not entirely," Sarah said with a small smile. "Just… maybe a new topic? What do you do for a living?"

Jordan shrugged. "This and that. Currently bartending, dog walking, odd jobs. Basically, if it pays, is legal, and doesn't involve nudity before noon—I'm in." She chuckled. "Sorry if I seem a little... desperate."

Sarah waved it off. "Please. I work a soul-sucking accounting job that drains my will to live but pays the bills. And as long as the bills aren’t going anywhere, neither am I." She hadn’t meant to sound bitter. But there it was.

"I dated an accountant once," Jordan said, eyes twinkling. "All she wanted to do was have sex in public places. I guess to balance out the spreadsheets?"

Sarah blinked. “Yeah… no. I’m more of a—indoors, and ideally behind locked doors—type.”

Several cocktails and seventeen disastrous date stories later, Sarah realized she knew everything about Jordan’s love life… and almost nothing about Jordan.

“It’s getting late,” she said, glancing at the time again. “Should we get going?”

They asked for the check, and Jordan stared at the bill like it was an SAT exam.

“It’s on me,” Sarah offered, eager to escape.

“Absolutely not,” Jordan replied, pulling out her phone calculator. “We had different drinks. And you got the olives.”

It took fifteen more minutes and the combined powers of math, logic, and sheer willpower to settle it.

When they finally stepped out into the crisp fall air, Sarah let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck, the chill seeping through her coat. They strolled along the quiet street, the distant hum of traffic filling the silences between them.

"I had a lovely time tonight," Jordan said, her voice softening as she stopped walking and turned to face Sarah.

Sarah offered a polite smile, her mind racing to find a genuine response. "It was... interesting. Thanks for sharing your stories."

Before Sarah could process the moment, Jordan leaned in, her lips brushing softly against Sarah's. The unexpected gesture caught Sarah off guard, and she hesitated, her body tensing slightly before she reciprocated briefly.

Pulling away, Jordan smiled, seemingly oblivious to Sarah's discomfort. "I'll text you," she said, her tone casual yet suggestive.

Sarah nodded, forcing a smile. "Sure, sounds good."

As Jordan walked away, disappearing into the night, Sarah stood there for a moment, the cool air biting at her cheeks. A swirl of emotions enveloped her—confusion, disappointment, and a lingering sense of isolation. Yet, beneath it all, there was a flicker of pride. She had taken a chance, ventured beyond her usual routine of wine, candy, reality TV, and the comforting presence of Mr. Socks. Tonight, she had dared to embrace the unknown.​

With a sigh, she turned and began her walk home, the city lights flickering around her. Each step echoed not just the uncertainty that lay ahead, but also the courage it took to take that first step into the dating world once more.

Kelsie giggled and leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "His name's Lukas. Tall, blonde, with this adorable accent that makes everything sound sexy. We met at the hotel bar after the trade show, and... let's just say, sparks flew."

Sarah smirked. "Sparks, huh? Are we talking 'pleasant conversation' sparks or 'could've set the hotel on fire' sparks?"

Kelsie grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Let's just say the fire department might've been on standby."

Sarah paused, shaking her head. "Just like that, huh?"

Kelsie nudged her sister playfully. "Oh, come on. Don't I deserve a little fun? Anyway, what's new in your world? Work still sucking the life out of you?"

Sarah hesitated for a moment, then decided to drop her own bombshell. "Actually, I went on a date."

Kelsie's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Wait, what? You? On a date? With who? When? Where?"

Sarah laughed at her sister's incredulous expression. "Yes, me. Last night. Just drinks downtown."

Kelsie leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "And? Who's the lucky guy?"

Sarah took a sip of her coffee, savoring the moment. "It wasn't a guy."

Kelsie's mouth dropped open. "Shut up! You went out with a woman? Since when are you into women?"

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Since always. I told you years ago. You sent me rainbow cupcakes and a Spotify playlist called ‘Sapphic Sadness.’ And remember the huge deal mom made out of it?! How could you forget? Have I been out of the dating pool for that long?"

Kelsie furrowed her brow, searching her memory. "Wait... was that during my 'self-discovery' phase?"

Sarah nodded. "Yep. You were too busy finding yourself to remember your own sister's orientation."

Kelsie laughed, throwing her hands up in surrender. "Okay, fair. So, tell me everything! Who is she? How did it go?"

Sarah shrugged, a wry smile on her lips. "Her name's Jordan. We met on a dating app. The date was... interesting."

Kelsie narrowed her eyes. "Interesting good or interesting bad?"

"Let's just say she really enjoyed talking about herself," Sarah replied.

Kelsie groaned. "Ugh, one of those. Did she at least pay for drinks?"

Sarah chuckled. "We split the bill."

Kelsie shook her head in mock disappointment. "Tsk, tsk. I guess there isn't much potential for a second date? "

Sarah shook her head. "nope." 

Kelsie smiled. "Well, now you know! That's what first dates are for, am I right?"

As they settled into the couch, Sarah broached the topic delicately. "So, you’re over Justin? Did you guys talk at all?"

Kelsie sighed. "We texted. I'm supposed to go over to his place tomorrow while he's at work to pick up my things. I don’t know if I’m over-over him. He was my first serious boyfriend, you know."

Sarah hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I know. Are you okay with things staying as they are? I mean, do you feel like you have closure?"

Kelsie shrugged. "I guess. It's just... confusing. He ended things so abruptly."

Sarah nodded, biting her tongue. She knew more than she was letting on but decided to give Justin the opportunity to come clean himself. 

Sarah's eyebrows shot up. "Wow. That's... a lot to unpack."

Kelsie let out a humorless laugh. "Tell me about it. I mean, who does that? Who parades around in another woman's home like she owns the place? I was half-tempted to grab those lacy knickers and—"

"Okay, let's not go there," Sarah interjected, holding up a hand. "Deep breaths."

Kelsie groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I'm such an idiot. How did I not see this coming?"

Sarah bit her lip, debating whether now was the time to confess her prior knowledge. She decided honesty was the best policy. "Kelsie, there's something I need to tell you."

Kelsie peeked at her through her fingers. "What now?"

"I found out about Monica a couple of days ago as I was cyber-stalking Justin," Sarah admitted.

“You were what?”, Kelsie blinked.

“Long story,” interrupted Sarah. “I confronted him and told him to tell you. I thought it was his responsibility."

Kelsie stared at her, a mix of betrayal and understanding flickering across her face. "So, you knew and didn't tell me?"

Sarah nodded. "I didn't want to hurt you more than necessary. I hoped he'd man up and confess."

Kelsie leaned back, exhaling loudly. "Well, that was clearly too much to hope for."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation settling over them.

As Sarah headed to the kitchen to gather their comfort supplies, she couldn't help but feel that things were going to work out because they had each other. And if making voodoo dolls was what it took to help her sister heal, well, Sarah might just have to brush up on her sewing skills.