Date Shark Read Online Free PDF

“Why can’t I find a guy who wants to be with me?”
    The quiet that hovered between her question and Eli’s answer became heavier the longer he waited. He frowned, then leaned forward and stared at her. “Maybe the man who wants to be with you is just waiting for you to notice him.”
    That was it? Where was her magic answer that would have her leaping off into her happily ever after by the end of the week. Leila’s whole body crumpled in on itself, frustrated and annoyed. Eli leaned back against the booth and smiled at her sour expression. “What? Not the answer you were hoping for? I’d think you’d be happy to hear that there isn’t anything horribly wrong with you.”
    Leila slouched down in her chair even more. “I just had … different expectations.”
    “You wanted me to give you the key to happiness?” There was no laughter in his voice this time. Instead there was a hint of sadness. “There is no magic spell or easy answer, Leila. If there was, I wouldn’t be single either.”
    Leila’s head popped back up. Single? She hadn’t really thought about Eli’s availability, but his being single was quite a shock. If anyone should have been living their happily ever after, it should have been him. Although, Leila supposed, a wife or girlfriend probably wouldn’t have put up him taking women out on dates every weekend.
    Eli continued, not noticing Leila’s reaction. “Almost every woman that comes to me thinks I’ll fix their lives. All I can really do is give them advice and hope they follow it. For you, Leila, my advice is to quit thinking so hard about every moment. Don’t let what someone else might think of you dictate your decisions. Relax and let yourself enjoy life. You’ll feel more confident if you do, and confidence is always attractive.”
    Reaching into his jacket pocket, Eli removed an envelope and set it down in front of her. “This letter contains everything I just told you, so you can look at it again if you’d like.” He set his business card down on top of the envelope. It was the same one he had given Leila at their first meeting, with one difference. Scrawled beneath his expertly printed name was a cell phone number written in by hand.
    Noticing her interest in the addition, Eli said, “I like to stay in contact with my clients, see how they’re doing after I leave. You can also call if you have any questions or need advice about a particular situation.”
    “Wow, thanks.” Leila picked up the envelope and card. The card she would keep nearby in her purse, the letter … well that was going deep down in her bottom desk drawer. She didn’t exactly want to sit up at night rereading her list of faults.
    “Now, I really would love to stay longer, but I’m afraid I have an appointment.”
    The most bizarre feeling of jealousy rushed through Leila. “Another date?” she asked.
    “No,” Eli said as he stood, “a counseling session.”
    Leila’s surprise pushed the strange jealousy aside. “I didn’t realize you practiced. I thought the date shark thing was your job.”
    “No, no. It’s just something I do on the side. I like being able to point people in the right direction and help them find a companion. My day job is as a couple’s therapist. I don’t usually work on the weekend, but this couple can’t meet with me any other time.”
    If Leila had asked Eli even a single question about himself the night before, she would have learned that his interests went deeper than a continual supply of dates. She had initially thought of Eli as talented and handsome, but shallow. Now she was the one who felt shallow. The crummy feeling in the pit of her stomach persisted as she stood up to join Eli. He held his hand out and they shook hands goodbye. With a good luck wish, Eli started toward the exit. He only got a few steps away before turning back.
    “I almost forgot. I had one other piece of advice for you, Leila.”
    “What was that?”
    Eli drummed his fingers against