Amber was generally smart. But her contacting that service proved she could be misguided. Paying for sex wasn’t the answer to her problem. She needed help finding someone without having to resort to that. Even though the thought of pawning her off to some dude in a bar admittedly made me jealous, I sucked it up because the alternative of how she was handling herself was definitely the bigger evil.

“You need to put yourself out there, Amber. As hard as that might be.”

“I tried online dating. It’s not for me.”

“What happened?”

“Well, as an example, one guy told me how much he wanted to give me a pearl necklace. I thought he had some kind of jewelry fetish. Annabelle had to break the news to me about what it was. That was pretty much the end of it for me.”

Oh shit.

“Yeah, he wanted to bejewel you with his cum. Sick fuck. Also beware of someone who wants to shower you in gold.”

“Yeah, I know that now.”

“Maybe try a different route. You need to force yourself to go out more. You can gauge people better in person. We should go out Friday night. I can be your wingman.”

“You’re gonna what…pimp me out?”

The irony in her choice of words was not lost on me.

“No. But I’m very good at judging people on a first impression, so I can help you determine if a guy is worth talking to, help make a smooth introduction to avoid any awkwardness.”

“I’m not really ready for that kind of thing.”

“I know that. But you probably never will feel ready. Sometimes, you just have to push yourself to get out of the house. That’s half the battle. Then, you just sit back and watch life happen. Nothing great can happen to you if you stay home all of the time.”

She cracked a slight smile that I knew was masking a plethora of self-doubt as she tried to convince herself of all the reasons not to take me up on my offer.

“Amber...just drinks. Okay?”

She let out a breath and softly said, “Okay.”CHAPTER SIX* * *AMBERHappenstance was a bar a few blocks from home. A co-worker had recommended it, saying the atmosphere was relaxed, and the beer was reasonably priced. So, I suggested it to Channing for our night out.

A jukebox sat unused in the corner. Maybe I’d get up and play something later.

The bar was channeling an old Coyote Ugly vibe. Hundreds of bras hung over rods along the ceiling, an indication that there had certainly been some wild nights at this joint. Unfortunately, tonight wasn’t one of them.

“So, what do you have up your sleeve tonight, Lord?”

“Absolutely nothing. This is just a night out between friends. But if anyone happens to catch your eye, just let me know. I’m your man.”

“And what exactly are you going to do if I decide I want to talk to someone?”

“I’ll catch him at the bar, start a casual conversation with him. I need to vet the guy first to make sure he’s not a tool. If it seems like he’s worth talking to, I’ll give you a signal. We’ll have to come up with something. Like maybe I’ll look over at you and scratch my chin.”

My eyes were transfixed on Channing’s masculine fingers rubbing against his scruff as he demonstrated.

“That’ll signal that it’s safe to come over,” he said.

“Then, what?”

“I’ll introduce you as my friend. I can casually slip away if it turns out you’re getting along with him. If not, you can excuse yourself.”

“Is this what you do for your guy friends?”

“I’ve done it a few times in the past.”

“Does it work?”

“Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no.”

“Why?” I asked before the answer hit me. “Oh, let me guess…because the chick ends up disappointed that you weren’t the one interested in her. She wants you instead.”

He laughed guiltily. “That might have happened once or twice.”

“Oh, my God, Channing, I would never let you be my wingman if I were a guy. That would be counterproductive.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not a guy, then, isn’t it?”

Channing looked and smelled amazing. He wore a dark gray beanie that reminded me of the one in the photo on Facebook. His shiny hair was sticking out at the top. The wooly, fitted sweater he was wearing made me want to scratch it like a cat.

He looked around. “I don’t see any viable options.”

“I’d have to agree with you. It’s pretty empty here tonight.”

Channing took a bite of his fry and dipped it in my ketchup. “Some things to keep in mind if you’re ever out and about without me…”

I straightened in my seat. “Okay…what?”

“Be wary of men who are by themselves in bars. They’re lurkers.” He pointed to a man in the corner of the room. “Like that guy over there. A dude is much safer if he’s with a friend or a group. Much less likely to be a psychopath.”