Sophie sat at her desk, aimlessly scrolling through her phone, her chin resting in her palm. The office was unusually quiet, with most of her co-workers out for lunch. She hadn't been able to focus much lately, and her thoughts kept drifting to Ethan and their time during the vacation.
Her reverie was interrupted by Mia, her co-worker and self-proclaimed "dating guru," who plopped down in the chair beside her.
"Sophie!" Mia exclaimed, waving her phone excitedly.
Sophie raised an eyebrow. "What's got you all riled up this time?"
Mia leaned in conspiratorially. "I found the app. The ultimate dating app. It's called 'LoveMatch.' It's practically guaranteed to find your soulmate. You need to try it!"
Sophie rolled her eyes. "Mia, I'm not interested in dating apps. I just got out of a relationship, remember?"
Mia waved her off. "That was weeks ago, Sophie. And besides, you need to get back out there. Tom doesn't deserve your tears, and you deserve someone who treats you like the queen you are."
---
The Persuasive Pitch
Sophie sighed. "Mia, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't think a dating app is my thing."
Mia pouted dramatically. "Come on, Soph! Just think about it. You can set your preferences, swipe through a bunch of profiles, and who knows? You might meet someone amazing. Or at the very least, someone entertaining."
Sophie chuckled despite herself. "Entertaining, huh?"
Mia grinned. "Exactly! Worst case, you'll have stories to tell. And best case? You meet Mr. Right."
Sophie hesitated, the idea gnawing at her curiosity. "Alright, fine. I'll think about it."
Mia squealed in delight. "Yes! I'll even help you set up your profile. Trust me, you'll thank me later."
---
Ethan's Decision
Meanwhile, across town, Ethan sat in his office, staring at his computer screen. His mother had just sent him another long email filled with new blind date suggestions, each one more absurd than the last.
One profile boasted about her expertise in competitive eating, while another mentioned her obsession with taxidermy.
He groaned, leaning back in his chair. "Why do I even bother?"
Ethan picked up his phone and called his sister, Zoe.
"Hey, big bro!" Zoe chirped on the other end. "What's up?"
"Zoe, I'm done. No more blind dates. No more setups. I'm waving the white flag," Ethan said, exasperated.
Zoe laughed. "Finally! I've been waiting for you to admit that. So, what's the plan? Going solo forever?"
Ethan sighed. "I don't know. I just...I need a break. And besides, I'm starting to think the right person isn't out there."
There was a pause before Zoe's voice turned teasing. "Or maybe she's closer than you think."
Ethan's stomach tightened. "Don't start, Zoe."
"I'm just saying," Zoe replied innocently. "Anyway, good luck with your no-dating vow. Let me know how long that lasts."
Ethan rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Bye, Zoe."
---
The Profile Setup
Back at the office, Mia had wasted no time setting up Sophie's profile on LoveMatch.
"Alright," Mia said, typing away on Sophie's phone. "Let's start with the basics. Age, location, interests. What do you want to write under 'About Me'?"
Sophie shrugged. "I don't know. Something simple? 'Just a girl trying to figure things out'?"
Mia made a face. "Boring. How about, 'Hopeless romantic with a love for pancakes and terrible rom-coms'?"
Sophie laughed. "Fine, but don't make it too cheesy."
Mia added a few finishing touches and handed the phone back to Sophie. "There. You're officially on the market."
Sophie looked at the app, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling up. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
Mia grinned. "You'll thank me when you're swiping through hotties tonight."
---
Ethan and Sophie Cross Paths
Later that evening, Sophie stopped by Ethan's place to return the jacket he'd lent her.
When he opened the door, he looked at her with mock suspicion. "You're not here to spill more flour on me, are you?"
Sophie rolled her eyes and walked past him. "No, I'm here to return your jacket. And to tell you that Mia convinced me to join a dating app."
Ethan froze. "A dating app?"
"Yeah," Sophie said, flopping onto his couch. "She said it's time for me to get back out there."
Ethan's jaw tightened, but he forced a casual tone. "Well, good for you. I'm sure you'll meet someone...great."
Sophie glanced at him, noticing his stiff posture. "What's with the tone? You don't think it's a good idea?"
Ethan shook his head quickly. "No, it's not that. I just...I hope you're careful, that's all. Those apps can be...weird."
Sophie laughed. "Relax, Dad. Mia's already vetted it."
Ethan sat beside her, his mind racing. He wanted to say more, to tell her how he felt, but he knew now wasn't the time.