Hopeless Romantic

This was my entry into the https://writingbattle.com/join-battle Writing Battle Competition. I didn't win, but I got a lot of great feedback and wanted to share my 1000 word entry.

Genre: Horror, Person: Hopeless Romantic, Object: Hammer.

Ravi, 27

.5 miles away

Pros: free dog walks

Great hot glue gun skills

Excellent curry

Cons: frequent jay walker

Allergic to felines

“Well that won't work!” I say to Georgie my fat orange cat. Swipe left. “I know I said I was going to avoid any romantic entanglements but as my mom liked to say, I'm boy crazy!”

Ericton, 26

1 mile away

Sushi Chef by day, gamer by night

Lover of rom-coms and horror

Movie night over working out

“Yes, free sushi! Swiping right on that one.” Then I paused. My first serious boyfriend was Carlton, who was also a chef and cheated on me with Margaret, his closing server. He told me everyone does that in server jobs. Like that was a good excuse.

Jason, 31

1.5 miles away

Looking for a date to Saturday Monster Truck Rally. Want to go?

I have 2 dogs and love to grill burgers by the lake.

“Hmm.. do you like these dogs, Georgie? I guess I'll swipe right and see. I put my phone down and started to pace my small apartment.

“After him I moved to Louisiana with Fern for 6 blissful months. And then hurricane Katrina wiped all that away.” I stroked his fluffy orange and white coat.

“Then I fell for Marcus, the tall drummer who banged the roadie. He was not missed by many, especially his band who replaced him within a week.”

“On the Greyhound to California, I read that fantastic Brene Brown book about understanding your emotions and setting boundaries. I met Wesley who was really into fitness!” I love to tell my thoughts to Georgie. He's such an excellent listener.

“He was also into his yoga instructor Hector. They went camping together. They found their site. Tents, yoga mats and sleeping bags were set up but no one ever heard from them again.”

I rock Georgie in my arms like a little baby. “Then I moved to Florida with Jason. And then hurricane Helen took him away! Georgie-porgie, I will never live in the Southeast again!” The orange cat, so used to my affection already, just laid in my arms and mouthed a silent meow.

“Kevin, the handsome thief in Chicago who stole my heart and then $120 cash from my purse. I don't even remember what happened to him!” Georgie and I dance across the living room/bedroom area.

“After that, I kinda joined a cult with Kirk who is still alive in Utah, I think. That was way too weird, even for me.” we twirled into the kitchen.

“And most recently, I met Jeff. Do you remember him? I just got to Seattle, met Jeff and YOU, Georgie!” I sing-song to the bemused orange cat. I released him from my hold and looked around the grey apartment full of bare walls. At least it has fantastic views of Mount Rainier… sometimes. To brighten my new home I must get some art on the walls. I need something to build a new life with a hammer and some nails.

I visited Tweedy and Popp Hardware for supplies. There I met Jared. And I'm reminded about the magic of instant connection. There is something so intense when your eyes meet and you can feel the chemistry, the immediate tension. My skin tingles.

He is handsome, confident and capable of upselling me, not just a hammer but a Vaughan 23 oz. Steel head, 17” inch California framer with the hickory handle. He has locks of curly brown hair that hangs long and I bet, smells nice.

“Probably overkill for your art hanging but, uhh could double as home protection.” Jared had a daring twinkle in his brown eyes. Then he mimicked swinging the hammer like a baseball bat. He was built like an athlete, his beautiful muscles flexing under his polo. I nodded and we walked to the counter. He rang up my items and I pulled out my backpack and wallet.

“Jared, this isn't like me at all.” I felt my face reddening with blush, “But would you like to go out with me after you get off?” Oh my God, my heart is racing. I feel so alive. He looks surprised. I wonder if this is the first time he's been asked that? I managed to pay with cash.

“Yeah, sure.” His smile is stunning as he hands me my change. “I get off at 5. Meet you here?” his confidence is glowing.

I try not to come across as too eager, “Great! Oh, do you like cats?”

“Oh yeah! I like cats. Do you have one?” He smiles again as I put on my heavy backpack, now laden with my purchase. I notice him checking out my breasts and biceps.

“I do! His name is Georgie. He's just the sweetest thing.” I reach out and touch his hand. It's warm. Our eyes meet and the butterflies erupt in my stomach. His smile broadens. “I'll be back at 5! I just have to run home and get ready.”

And then I walked home, the weight of the Vaughan framer feeling comforting in my pack. I need to change into something more alluring and maybe more flexible. Black yoga pants? I wonder what kind of food he likes? I wonder if he drives? I wonder what Georgie will think of him? It's important he approves too. I am sure he'll like him. I just know Jared is my soulmate.

And if not then at least I have this massive hammer to help me with that. Dang it, I should have picked up large trash bags too.