Breaking the Rules: Single on Valentines Day, #13

By Erin Cristofoli

It started as a joke…

I couldn't wait until Valentine's Day was over – not because I hadn't ever had a boyfriend to spend the day with, but because hearts, flowers and ads for jewellery were plastered everywhere I looked.

And Cupid hadn't gotten around to shooting his arrow for me.

Everyone thought I needed a man in my life to be happy, but I was happy being single. Until my best friend decided I needed a push to get back in the game, tricking me into attending a singles event on Valentines.

That's when I met Sawyer Rhodes, the most deliciously panty-melting bartender I had ever seen.

It was just a joke, but he convinced me it might just work, and together we came up with a plan to convince our friends and family that we had fallen in love.

With a set of rules in place what could go wrong?

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This Valentine's Day being single is all the rage. At least that's what the website, Single Status says and they're not trying to set you up with your special someone. But, instead, give you the time of your life. Sign up a family member, a friend or join yourself. Single Status will send an anonymous letter with details of an activity for the day. #ValentinesDayIsntJustForCouples.

Read stories from 13 of your favorite authors in this brand new Valentine's series. Follow characters as they receive instructions from Single Status and navigate their love lives in tales of varying degrees of romantic heat.

Grab one a day from February 1-13th, 2019.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Cristofoli
• Release date: Jan 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393375975

Book preview

Ihated this time of year, and maybe I was so cynical because I hadn’t ever had a date for Valentine’s Day, but it seemed to me as if Cupid had thrown up flowers and hearts for as far as the eye could see. In this day and age it wasn’t even about love, was it? Commercialism had taken over, and I for one couldn’t wait for it to be over.

Arriving home after another long day in the classroom with a bunch of energetic eight year olds, I had just pulled out a bottle of my favourite wine when my phone began to buzz.

Hello to my best friend in the whole world, Stacy greeted me cheerily.

Hello…to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?

I had hoping to catch you before you left your classroom. Anyway, I was thinking, and I know how much you love Valentine’s…

Rolling my eyes, I waited for what would be her latest attempt to convert me to love this holiday as much as she did.

I think that we should spend Valentine’s together.

Look, I appreciate the thought, but…

Hang on, she protested loudly. You haven’t let me finish. We could go out for drinks and party it up just like two single girls.

I laughed as I popped the cork from the bottle that would soon ease me into relaxation. There is only one flaw with your perfectly laid plan – you aren’t single. I find it hard to believe that Jordan would appreciate me stealing his fiancée on Valentine’s.

Actually, I already asked him and he was all for the idea.

I was sceptical. Really.

He knows how much you hate being alone.

Wait, what? Stace, you know that’s not true. I feel like of all the holidays, this has to be the most ridiculous one.

But she continued to press. Please? I have already started planning. Say you will.

I grabbed my wine glass and made my way through to the living room and got comfortable on the couch before answering her. Is it really that important to you?

I could sense her mood change instantly. Oh my gosh, are you honestly telling me that you won’t put up a huge fight against my idea?

I laughed. You seem pretty determined. And for the record, I don’t always fight you.

She squealed loudly.

Stacy! My ear is ringing

Oops, sorry. She giggled. You don’t have to worry about a thing. Just get yourself into a sexy little dress and I’ll do the rest. Hey look, I have to run; Jordan is calling. I’ll chat with you tomorrow, okay?

Okay, goodnight.

After disconnecting the call, I leaned back into the couch with a huff. I couldn’t believe I had allowed myself to get sucked into one of Stacy’s crazy plans.

Valentine’s Day swept in and it seemed like all of the syrupy sweet décor somehow doubled, if that was even possible. Messages from Stacy began while I was brushing my teeth to begin my day, and even though she taught at the same school and knew I was busy, she still managed to message a couple of times. When the last message came as I was heading home to make sure I hadn’t changed my mind, I’d threatened to cancel if she bugged me again. Strangely enough, she took the hint and my phone was silent for my commute home. That was until about two minutes after arriving home from work. Mom. I let out a huge sigh before answering.

Hello, Mom.

Hello, sweetheart. How are you?

I’m fine, you?

Nothing new on our end. I thought I would check in and see if you had any special plans tonight?

I could have placed a bet for what this call was really going to be about. At least she didn’t beat around the bush for 20 minutes making small talk this time.

I’m have a girls night out with Stacy tonight.

Shouldn’t she be spending the time with Jordan?

I agreed with her. It was her idea.

I could hear my mother sigh. Rowen, don’t you think you should maybe invest a little time on finding a man of your own? You aren’t getting any younger.

Mom, I have tried to tell you that I am happy with how my life is right now.

I know a couple of eligible young men that I could…

No thanks, Mom, I’m not interested.

You are stubborn like your father, she grumbled.

Sorry. Look, I have to get ready to go, but I appreciate you checking in on me. I’ll talk to you later.

Okay, have fun, she replied, with zero enthusiasm.

I was slipping into my dress when my phone buzzed again, informing me that Stacy was waiting for me outside. I hurried with the rest of my preparations, grabbed my coat, and headed out the door.

For the entire cab ride, I watched Stacy fidget nervously.

All right, out with it. What is going on?

What are you talking about?

Something is making you nervous.

She grinned. I’m just excited that we are finally getting a girls night out. It’s been too long.

I wasn’t buying her excuse, but I figured it was better to leave it be for the time being.

We pulled up a short time later in front of a darkly painted building with a sexy red sign – Syn.

Why did you pick this place?

She shrugged. I don’t know. Just thought we should try something different.

I followed Stacy inside the dimly lit entry, with a rich midnight blue covering the walls and live edge wood accents. It was classy yet masculine. Whoever owned the bar had incredible taste. As I took in my surroundings, Stacy guided me further into the bar and off to the right – that’s when I saw the oversized sign and my heart sank.

Single Status

Welcomes you to

Single Mingle

Speed dating? Stacy, please tell me that you are kidding me right now. This has to be a joke. You wouldn’t actually do this to me, would you?

She nodded, clearly pleased with herself. You have to trust me on this, you need to get out there again.

Not this way. You are supposed to be my best friend.

She nodded with a big smile. I am your best friend, and that is why you need to be here tonight. It’s time for a new adventure.

She grabbed a hold of my wrist and pulled me toward a lady standing with a clipboard.

Good evening, ladies, are you both here for the single mingle tonight?

I shook my head, but before I could talk myself out of this ridiculous situation, Stacy piped up. She is. Her name is Rowen Connoly.

Wait a second. I grabbed her wrist. What do you mean I am? What about you?

I have to get going, Jordan is waiting for me.

You are leaving me alone?

Didn’t you think it was a little strange that I’d decided not to be with my fiancé on Valentine’s?

You lied to me, Stacy.

You wouldn’t have come. Besides, it’s not what you think. Single Status is for people who like being single. I mean, I don’t get it, but when I heard about this company, I decided to sign you up. Then they sent me word of this event and here we are. Look, the way I see it, your next lover could be just around the corner, even at an event like this one.

Stacy turned back to the hostess. My friend is a bit nervous to be here, so can you make sure she doesn’t chicken out?

The hostess laughed lightly. Don’t worry, everyone here is plenty nervous, but in the time that I have been doing this, it is always a great time for everyone. You’ll see.

With a tiny shove from Stacy, I was pushed further into the room and I watched as my friend wiggled her fingers toward me as she made her escape. Since when was it okay to drag best friends somewhere and then ditch them? Ugh, I’d get her back for this.

Why don’t you head on in, the hostess encouraged me. There are waitresses walking around who can get you a drink.

Yes, a drink sounded like a very good idea,