Speed? Dating? These were not things that Hecate Hardbroom lived her life by. Everyone zapped around like they feared the world would explode if they stood still for a minute. Nevertheless, she found herself that Thursday night sitting in a wine bar, waiting for an inspection. For many inspections.
'It's not an inspection HB.'
'I inspect them, they inspect me, for five minutes we have no choice but to assess each other for suitability.'
'It's not like picking up a puppy, it's just a bit of fun. If you overthink it, it's bound to be awkward' reasoned Dimity. Her friend was the queen of overthinking but Dimity kept trying. There must be someone who was into a liquorice stick of decorum.
The first woman wasn't. She was into crochet and red wine and had a tattoo of a unicorn on her chest. Hecate marked her as a no. Red wine gave her a headache and what was one to do with a fabric with so many holes in it? No comment on the unicorn.
The next woman wasn't either. Being a painter and a model for life classes was not high up on Hecate's list of what she looked for in a partner. Too financially unstable and prone to fanciful ideas. On the no list.
The next one looked menacing. Hecate spotted a packet of cigarettes in her handbag and mentally crossed her out. The other woman had nothing else to do that evening, she said but she was getting a bit bored of who was on offer. Hecate cautiously agreed with her. She wasn't sure that she wanted to befriend this woman. She was left with a considering glance as the next one took her place. She was not sure she wanted to be considered. This much attention to so many people was beginning to tire her. Focusing on the face in front of her, Hecate blinked. Looked to her right and then back to her new candidate.
'We're twins.'
That explained it. The woman looked the same but she had a kinder expression. Hecate was sure that her twin wouldn't be seen dead in a pink cardigan. She settled in for another inspection.
'You farm alpacas and llamas?'
Hecate started to doubt her excellent hearing. Ada tugged her cardigan with a smile. Alpaca wool. Very soft apparently.
'I inherited the farm with my sister but she's the administrative side. And much as I'd like to learn how to knit, I outsource that service and share the costs with Gwen. She's marvellous. Knits to order.'
By the end of the evening, Hecate was sure that twins would be snapped up. She tried not to focus on Ada when she moved on but she was the only one she'd ticked a definite yes to. Dimity was ticking at least three that she'd met and debating about another two. They were to upload their results on the website and then get a notification if there was a match. Hecate was sure that she'd get none. She was annoyed at herself for minding just a little bit. Maybe it was because she had her hopes on a particular match.
Dimity's phone had pinged the next day. She checked out her results and growled with anticipation, two of her matches had been reciprocated. Hecate wondered how she could decide which one to meet. Or maybe she'd meet them both and then decide? Dimity signalled at her to check her phone. Sighing, she did as she was bid and stared at the notification on the app. There was one match. It was Ada.