It Started With a List

By Rose Garter

Emily's a regular girl in her 20's with no idea what she's doing. She's got a good job, but it might be pulled out from under her at any point. Her best friend Deb recently supported her through her breakup but is now keen to push her into dating.

On her first blind date she realizes, while the guy is 'interviewing' her, she has no idea what she wants. Afterwards Emily sets out to document what she wants in a guy, creating a list.

Emily attempts to navigate the realities of the dating world but keeps getting it hilarously wrong. 

It Started With a List is a Contemporary Romantic Comedy. It was developed from eight short stories independently published from October 2016 to January 2018 about the perils of real life dating. Early drafts have been compared to Bridget Jones Diary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Garter
• Release date: Apr 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386137696

Rose Garter

A little bit romance, a little bit sass, a little bit lying on pool tables... Rose Garter is a shy and retiring writer who hides behind her words and her hair. Her subtle sarcastic wit shines through in her work. Rose writes stories about women like her; strong and independent women who aren’t willing to compromise for a happy ending. Some of her stories may be loosely based on her own experiences and fantasies. Having published over 15 short stories Rose is now focusing on novels. You can follow her on Twitter and Instragram @therosegarter. 

Book preview

One

Hey, are you free next Saturday? Deb asked.

Yeah, I think so, Emily puffed. Why?

How do you feel about dinner?

As a general rule, I like dinner.

Excellent, so you won’t mind going to dinner with a very cute, nice guy.

Emily stopped running, Deb ran ahead before circling back. Deb’s hair was still perfect. It was always perfect.

What?

We’ve talked about this. You aren’t allowed to set me up, Emily said. She brushed hair off her sweaty, flushed face and attempted to stuff it back into its sloppy bun.

Why not? He’s a nice guy.

If he’s so nice, why is he single? she panted.

You’re nice and you’re single, Deb retorted.

Emily put her hands on her hips. My boyfriend cheated on me. Should I have stayed with him?

His name’s Devon.

Emily snorted. "Devon? That doesn’t strike you as remarkably similar to David?"

No. Should it?

Really? Devon. David. What if I mixed their names up?

All these months later just thinking of David still infuriated Emily. She wished she’d thrown his things out or kicked him where it hurt, but all she’d done was pack a bag and walk out. Deb and Steve had given her a place to stay till she’d found a new apartment.

That can’t be your excuse. Come on, Em. You need a boyfriend. If nothing else, you need to get laid.

Emily poked her tongue out. You’ve already told this guy I’m having dinner with him, haven’t you?

I might have.

Bitch, Emily said but there was no force behind it.

You love me, really.

Only sometimes.

I’ll give you a rest from running if you go out with him, Deb wheedled.

A month, Emily stated.

Three weeks.

You know I’m not really a fan of a running...I don’t have to do it...

Fine. A month. Deb smiled triumphantly, put her hand out and Emily shook it.

And now you can buy me breakfast, Emily added. She took off at a run up the tree lined path to the café as the smile slid from Deb’s face.

Over coffee and pancakes at the café in the park, Emily asked about Devon.

He works with Steve, Deb told her, gesturing with her fork. We had dinner with him last night and it came to me that you two would be great together.

And then we can get married and have babies, and you and I can raise our kids together?

Deb shrugged. A girl can dream.

What’s the fertility status? Emily asked with a smirk.

I’ll have to ask.

I meant you, not him! Emily rolled her eyes and slapped Deb’s arm.

Deb laughed. Oh, we’re going to start trying in a month. I’m pretty excited.

I bet Steve is excited too, Emily said significantly.

You’re implying I’m starving him of sex.

I never said that. You said that. Right here at this table, in fact. She tapped the table with her fork. You said, and I quote, ‘I’m going to starve Steve of sex before we start trying so he’ll be ready to go at the right time.’ Which, by the way, is too much information about your husband’s penis.

Two

Emily cracked her neck and pushed back from her desk. A late night at work was not how she’d intended to start the week.

Come on, Phil. We’re going, she said to her friend sitting at the next desk.

Phil tried to turn while keeping their eyes on the screen. I just have to...

Stop fiddling and send it. We’re not meant to be doing his job for him anyway. She rolled her shoulders. I don’t get paid enough for this. It’s his presentation. We shouldn’t be working late because he’s disorganized.

Well, he’s new in the position.

"Stu and Mike have already left. Why are we still here? You’re too forgiving."

Phil shrugged. Maybe. You know you’re kinda bossy when you’re tired.

Emily grunted. She watched as Phil saved the presentation and sent it to their boss. Then she stalked up the line of cubicles, past Stu and Mike’s empty desks. Ben’s empire had expanded to include the unoccupied desk next to him which had once belonged to Tricia.

Ben.

He didn’t even turn around. Huh?

Emily glared at the back of his head, right at the spot where his hair was thinning.

Just checking to see you’ve got the presentation. Phil sent it to you.

Ah...yep, she did. Did you send me the role breakdowns?

"Yes, they did, she said through gritted teeth fighting the urge to smack him. Ben had known Phil when they identified as female but he never tried to use the correct pronouns. I sent you the role breakdowns in my update on Friday. She resisted tapping her foot while he searched for the email, biting down on a snarky comment that she was glad he read her emails. That’s everything. Great. See you tomorrow." She turned on her heel before he could say anything; he did murmur something as she walked away, but he hadn’t even bothered to look up from his computer.

Let’s go, let’s go, Emily said as she approached their desks.

The two of them rode the elevator down together. Do you want to get a drink? Phil asked.

It’s Tuesday night. Nothing will be open.

Phil shrugged. I can always find a party when I need one.

No, thanks. I just want to get home.

You sure? You might meet someone.

Deb’s already set me up with someone, remember? Besides, last time you took me for drinks everyone thought I was your girlfriend.

I’m sorry none of the pretty girls hit on you.

At the doors, the two parted ways, Phil to find an open bar and Emily to find her bed.

Emily was hurrying back to the office the next day balancing two coffees, one for herself and one for Phil—they deserved it after the late night—fumbling for the ID in her bag when she ran smack bang into a solid wall of man in the lobby of her office building.

Strong hands on her shoulders steadied her and she managed to clutch the coffees.

She looked up into the hazel eyes of...

Trent!

A broad grin lit his face. Emily. How nice to see you. I was wondering if I’d run into you.

I bet you didn’t expect to do it literally. Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you moved.

Trent nodded. I did. I was just having coffee with Tricia to congratulate her on the engagement.

Oh, yeah. I heard about that. So...no hard feelings between you two? she fished.

He shook his head. Not at all.

I have to get back. She indicated the elevator with a coffee cup.

Let me. Trent took the coffee, freeing her to find her ID.

Thanks, she said and swiped for the elevator.

I’m here tomorrow too. Would you like to catch up properly? Two p.m.?

Ah...yeah. Sure.

He handed her coffee cups back as the elevator doors opened.

She stepped into the elevator and turned to watch the doors close. Trent was still standing there, smiling, till the doors closed and she couldn’t see him anymore.

You’ll never guess who I ran into, Emily declared as she got back to her desk.

Did you bring me caffeine? Phil asked.

Emily waved the cup. You have to guess.

"Have mercy on me. I need caffeine," Phil whined and put their head on the desk.

Emily put their coffee cup in front of them and sat at her desk.

It was Tricia’s ex. The engagement rumors are true. He’s here to congratulate her.

Phil sat up and sipped their coffee, groaning in pleasure. She hasn’t been dating that guy long.

Emily shrugged. She broke up with Trent because he wouldn’t marry her. I guess she just found a guy that would. Good for her I guess.

Phil grunted, intent on their coffee.

I bet she hasn’t got a ring yet, Emily speculated. That’s why she hasn’t been bragging about it. Oh, come on Phil, she cried when Phil tried to protest. Tricia’s so pleased with herself that she managed to ‘escape’ our team before the stupid restructure.

You know her better than me, Phil said with a shrug.

Hmm. But Emily wasn’t sure she did. Once they’d been close but as soon as Tricia moved on to a bigger, better job, she barely spoke to Emily except to brag about how much better her life was. She’d been particularly insufferable when Emily had broken up with David, attempting sympathy but getting in barbs at every opportunity.

Anyway, I’m meeting him for coffee tomorrow so I’ll get the story out of him. She sipped her coffee. Did you have a good time last night?

Oh yeah. I’m a big fan of working late, Phil said sarcastically.

"Ha, ha. I meant after that. Did you find an open bar?"

Phil smiled quietly into their coffee. It was a good night.

Phil managed to parry any other questions Emily lobbed at them. She hoped Trent would be more forthcoming.

Three

Trent was waiting in the lobby, standing next to one of the fake plants, when Emily got there.

Hey.

Hey. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. She felt an answering, unexpected swoop in her stomach.

Pinning a smile to her face, she stepped back. There’s a place across the street. On the corner. For coffee.

Trent gestured for her to go first with a sweep of his arm. I used to meet Tricia there all the time.

So...she’s really engaged? That was...fast.

Trent nodded but didn’t appear bothered. She’s happy. Can’t stop talking about the guy.

What happened with you two? I was really surprised when you broke up.

Me too. It came out of the blue. She just asked me to move out one day. He held open the door of the coffee shop and ushered her in. What can I get you?

After ordering, and insisting that he pay, Trent led her to the table she chose by the window. His hand in the small of her back sent heat through her. He held out her chair then circled the table to take his own seat. Emily didn’t know how to deal with the attention.

The sun shining through the windows highlighted his newly chiseled jawline and prominent cheekbones. At least she managed to keep her thoughts on his well-muscled arms and shoulders to herself but she couldn’t stop herself blurting, You’ve lost weight.

I think I’m happier now so I eat less. I didn’t realize what a rut I’d gotten into. I’m less stressed not living with Tricia and living outside of the city is great.

Oh yeah, I heard you’d gone home?

Trent nodded. My parents are getting old. I like to be nearby, to help them out. Enough about me, let’s talk about you. How are you doing? He tilted his head and the tone of his voice lowered. I heard about you and David.

Emily ran her fingers along the edge of the table wondering what Tricia had told him, probably nothing good. We...broke up.

I’m sorry to hear that. Trent reached across the table and placed his hand on hers, it suddenly felt hard to breathe and Emily wondered what those muscles would feel like under her hands.

The waitress appeared with their drinks. Emily pulled a tight smile and sipped her coffee too quickly, burning her tongue.

Where are you living now? Trent asked.

I was with Deb and Steve for a little while—you remember Deb and Steve?—but I’ve got my own place now. A little apartment, one bedroom. It’s a little further out than the place David and I had but...it’s good. I’m—I’m good.

Living alone can be hard. You must get lonely.

Emily touched her tongue to the roof of her mouth. It was going to hurt for a few days.

So...how are Deb and Steve? Trent asked, after a minute. They were planning their wedding last time I saw them.

They’re really good. Emily frowned into her coffee. "Married now, on the baby track. I know Deb wants me to be in the same place she is, but I’m honestly not even sure if I want to have kids. I mean, I thought with David that we would...not that we ever talked about it. But I don’t even have anyone so it’s not something that I think about