New Beginnings by Helen Cooper Page A

had exchanged numbers with him. He could have been a good friend.
    “O.M.G.—listen to this pervert.” Ella groaned. “I can’t believe he thinks that this will win a girls heart.”
    “Okay, let me hear.”
    Ella cleared her throat and read, “ Dear Goldengirl, I love your photos. You look hot as fuck. I could do you like you’ve never been done before. I have ten inches and I’m not scared to use all of them. Holla back if you’re interested. Eminemsbro .”
    “Oh my.” Sophie laughed. “He really called himself Eminemsbro?”
    “I want to know if he really has ten inches.” Ella laughed.
    “He sounds like a pervert for sure.” Sophie groaned.
    “Tell me about it. Ooh, this guy looks cute. Let’s see what he said.” Ella tapped on the message and started to read. “ Goldengirl, you are drop dead gorgeous. In fact, I just got back from the hospital because after seeing your photo my heart stopped ! In all seriousness, I am very interested in taking you on a date. I work on Wall Street as a broker, yes I make a lot of money but no, I’m not an ass. I enjoy going to museums and fine wines. I’d love to take you out for dinner. Imakebigmoola .”
    “He seems okay.” Sophie laughed. “Kinda.”
    “He does talk about money a lot but I’ll put him in the maybe pile.”
    “That sounds like a plan.”
    “Okay, this guy is a no, and this one is a no too and ooh, this guy looks super-hot,” Ella squealed with excitement. “O.M.G.—Sophie, I wish you could see this one.”
    “Let me hear what he sent to you.”
    “Okay hold on.” Ella sounded breathless. “Wow. Here goes.” She cleared her throat again. “ Hello Goldengirl, I take it you choose your name because you have blonde hair? I like the pixie cut, it is very cute and suits your face. I also have blond hair and think I should have called myself Goldenboy, so that I would have a more witty and appealing message. But hopefully, this one works just as well. I’m new to online dating and decided to join because my friend found his wife on the site. Some things about me: I like dogs, walking in the park, sushi and interrupting strangers conversations! I would love to meet for coffee one day if you aren’t put off. Iliketolisten .”
    “He sounds funny.” Sophie’s voice was enthusiastic. “You should message him back.”
    “Right now?”
    “Why not?”
    “Doesn’t that look too eager?” Ella sighed. “Maybe I’ll wait until tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow?”
    “Or tonight then.” Ella laughed. “This is so exciting.”
    “I’m glad you’re happy, Ella.”
    “I know. I’m so over Joseph.”
    “You don’t know how happy that makes me, El.” Sophie’s arms were starting to ache and she adjusted Jacob. He opened his eyes briefly and then closed them again and she kissed him on the forehead. She never thought she would have a maternal instinct for someone else’s child.
    “Okay—here’s one more that sounds promising.” Ella laughed. “Is it wrong of me to only read the messages from the guys I find cute?”
    “Well, you may be missing out on some nice guys.” Sophie spoke earnestly.
    “But if I’m not attracted to them, what’s the point?”
    “No point, I guess.”
    “Okay, this is from surfgod77.” Ella laughed. “I even love his name. Okay here is his message.” She studied the photo of the hot blond man on her screen and grinned. “ Hola, You are one hot mama. I like that. I hope you look as good in person. I’m a Pro surfer. I live in Hawaii, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and Australia because I travel a lot. If we hit it off maybe you can join me on the road. Check you later. Surfgod77 .”
    “Oh no way Ella.” Sophie laughed. “He sounds like a dumbass.”
    “But he looks like a hottie. He’s a definite yes.” Ella laughed.
    “So two of them are yeses?”
    “I think so.” Ella giggled. “I’ll email three of them back and try and set up dates.”
    “Be careful, okay Ella?”
    “Of course.” Ella