Thirty-three

Stacey and Marie met Monday morning at their favorite coffee shop, The Caffeine Nation, for their usual coffee klatch.

“I met someone,” said Marie. “I think he may be the one.”

“Details. I need details,” said Stacey.

“I used one of those compatibility dating services. His name is Adam,” said Marie.

“Hold the phone. You used a dating service? Isn’t that a little desperate?”

“I don’t think so. A lot of people use them nowadays. And I’m thirty-two. I work, like, fifty hours a week. How else am I supposed to find a nice guy? All the guys I know are losers,” said Marie.

“What does being thirty-two have to do with anything? I’m thirty-five and single. I’m in no hurry,” said Stacey.

“Okay, but I want to be like Jesus, so I need to be married by thirty-three,” explained Marie.

“I totally don’t follow you.”

“Well, Jesus laid down his life at thirty-three, so I figured I should, too.”

“You’re a nutcase,” laughed Stacey.

“A nutcase with a great guy,” said Marie.

“What do you need a man for, anyway?”

“Has no one ever explained that to you? No wonder you’re thirty-five and single,” said Marie. There was a glint in her eye.

“Alright, I give up,” said Stacey with her hands raised in the air. “You’re cruel when you’re in love.”

“I’m just teasing. But I think you should consider a dating service. You might find Mr. Right,” said Marie.

“No thanks. I’ll do it the old fashioned way,” said Stacey.

“Luck?”

“I prefer the term ‘divine intervention’. It sounds more hopeful,” explained Stacey. “In the meantime, I’ll enjoy what I already have.”

“Good friends?”

“Great coffee,” said Stacey as she held out her mug.

Marie clinked her mug with Stacey’s. “Amen to that.”