Read Online A Year to Remember by Shelly Bell - Free Book Online Page B

considerably decreased. Still, by that time, I pledged to only date Jewish men. Since birth, my mom drilled into me the idea that I needed to marry Jewish so that the whole entire race of Jews didn’t die out. That’s a lot of responsibility to carry on my shoulders, but I’d say I’ve carried the burden quite well.
    Recently, with my determination to marry before my thirtieth birthday, I’ve been reconsidering my options. After all, I’ve been on JDate for a while now and haven’t met anyone worth a second date. Maybe I should broaden my horizons and date a Christian atheist.
    I’ll take it as a sign from God I didn’t automatically erase the speed dating advertisement. God must have meant for me to go to the event, right? In fact, as I registered for the event, I convinced myself I would meet my soul mate next Saturday night. Nothing would stop me from making all my dreams come true.

CHAPTER 8
     
A Year to Remember Blog
Sara Friedman’s journey to find her soul mate
March 25, 2012 We Represent the Lollipop Guild!
     
    Prepared as I thought I was to begin my search for my soul mate, nothing could have prepared me for the sorry state of the pool of available men I refer to now as the Lollipop Guild. I refuse to mention names, but I can tell you this ladies, always remember to bring a credit card with you on your date. You never know when your date will “lose his wallet.” If your date doesn’t call to tell you he’ll be late or have a very good excuse for his tardiness, don’t bother with the date. It will only go downhill from there.
    Guys, when you want to meet and refuse to give your phone number, we know you’re married. Ladies, if he answers his cell phone with a whisper, assume another woman stands near. I don’t understand how a married man can get away with posting a profile. Won’t someone recognize him and tell his wife? The worst offenders by far are the married men who claim they are widowed. It’s bad enough you’re cheating, but to “kill” your wife in the process is unusually cruel.
    Tell me, what is the point of online sex? I’ve had a few offers and politely declined each and every one. Apparently, several couples have online sex for months before they go for their first cup of coffee together. That’s what I call safe sex! As for me, I like a little risk in my life-I prefer my sex up close and personal.
    Not to say I haven’t met a couple of nice guys through online dating. It’s just that they are few and far between. Still, they give me hope I’ll find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

CHAPTER 9
     
    MARCH 31, 2012
    DETROIT, MICHIGAN
     
    WEIGHT: 179
    STATUS: SINGLE
     
    “I can’t believe you’re dragging me to this thing with you,” complained Missy on the way to my speed-dating event.
    “Hey, you’re the one who volunteered to prepare me for it. You have an invested interest. You had to come. Besides, you had nothing better to do tonight.”
    Not only had Missy chosen tonight’s ensemble, she insisted on taking me to the salon for a full makeover, just like the wedding. Personally, I wanted to present myself as I usually am, but Missy convinced me the point of tonight’s event was to essentially “sell myself.”
    I wore a crimson blouse that plunged low enough to make me feel slightly self-conscious. Missy thought it looked sexy but not trampy. I matched it with a short black skirt and a new pair of high-heeled boots that cost more than all of my other shoes combined.
    As I looked in the mirror, another Sara gazed back, one who hadn’t made an appearance since the wedding. That led to thoughts of my mystery man.
    In the last month, I’d replayed the kiss over and over. I had hoped he would have revealed himself by now. Surely if he had been interested in pursuing me, he would have called.
    That kiss became the kiss to which all kisses would now be measured. I didn’t even know who to give the credit to. Some nights, I’d dream about it. Only it