Hypnotized by Love

by Sariah Wilson

“I don’t really mix business with revulsion.”

There were so many things wrong with this scenario, the first being that he was a total slimeball, but just as big of an issue was that he was a client. I couldn’t step out of line and give the Board a reason to rescind my certification. Behaving inappropriately with a client was their biggest no-no. But probably most importantly, he was literally here to go on a date with another woman.

I think only a woman would call #3 "most important."

“I think we should decide as a society to combine first dates with running errands. That way, if things don’t work out, at least you got some groceries and picked up your dog from the vet.”

had stood me up. Again. My phone rang a few times, but I didn’t check it.

Really??

nachos got me. They were basically just tacos that didn’t have their life together.

I don’t think tequila’s the answer.” “Maybe not, but it’s worth a shot!” That got me a laugh,

“Hey, guess who’s coming to dinner?” “Sidney Poitier?” She gave me a blank look. “I don’t understand your reference.” “Do a Google search, Sierra. That was funny.”

“I do not!” “To quote Socrates, yuh-huh.”

“Dating in your twenties is mostly stupid anyways. You never know if you’re going to marry someone or if they’re going to turn out to be the reason you spend so much money on therapy.”

“Denial is highly underrated and effective. Plus, it’s only denial if you’re wrong.” “No, it’s only denial if it comes from a specific region in France. Otherwise it’s just sparkling delusion.”

“I’ve got popcorn, Junior Mints, Twizzlers—” “Gross.” I couldn’t help myself. “Twizzlers taste like cherry-flavored HDMI cables. I’m a Red Vines girl.”

After a couple of seconds, she said, “I’m sorry, did you want me to look for my surprised face? I’m pretty sure I left it around here somewhere.” “Okay, okay.” “No, really. Did you want me to say ‘I told you so’ now, or do you want me to wait until I’ve really had the chance to rehearse it?”

“Do you know what else is a good workout?” “Swimming?” I said and then immediately realized that he’d been hitting on me. “Oh.” “Yes, oh.”

Ha. "O".

“It doesn’t mean you have to forget or condone what happened. It doesn’t even mean you have to ever speak to or see that person again. But forgiving someone means you don’t let them control you any longer. You get to replace all the heavy, negative feelings that weigh you down and focus on your own well-being instead.

Nicely said.

But that was no way to live. If I kept everyone at arm’s length, yes, maybe I wouldn’t get hurt, but I wouldn’t get the joy from loving someone, either.

So I smiled, kissed him, and then said the words he most wanted to hear. “Quack, quack.”