“And consider checking ‘normal’ body types too, instead of just ‘athletic’ and ‘muscular.’”

“And maybe you don’t need someone that tall.”

“Or someone that rich.”

After some slight protesting on my end, we finally clicked SEARCH with more realistic expectations.

“Oh wait, what about this one?” Tania pointed to a thumbnail image near the bottom of the newly refreshed page. When she clicked it, a detailed profile for “Mahmoud” popped up on the screen. We all leaned in closer to get a better look at the full-sized image of him. I was surprised to admit, he wasn’t too bad. He had short-cropped hair, light brown eyes, and a friendly smile that showed off his chin dimple. He had his arm around an older aunty, who I deduced by the facial resemblance was probably his mother. Tania clicked on the small arrow to the right, and the next image showed him leaning back with his arms outstretched—a classic Bollywood pose—in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

“He’s kind of hot,” Hannah swooned.

“And well traveled.”

“And close to his mom.”

“And did we mention hot?”

“Let’s look at what he says in his profile,” I said, wanting to make sure that his personality matched up with his looks. As I read through paragraph after paragraph describing his hobbies, ambitions, and what he hoped to find in a future partner, I could feel my heart flutter with every line. He’s an avid swimmer. I didn’t know how to swim, but I enjoyed lounging poolside, and Finding Nemo was my favorite Disney movie. He loves to read. That was definitely something we shared in common. Being an English teacher would finally work to my advantage! He works at a successful consulting firm. He wants a cool, down-to-earth, independent girl who has a good balance of culture and religion. Check. Check. Check. And check! It was as if he was describing me to a T. Each sentence was well-written, with correct grammar and punctuation. The more I read, the more hopeful I became. I kept searching for a catch, but when I couldn’t find one, I finally turned to my friends and said, “I like him!”

Liv smiled and gave me a squeeze on my shoulder while Tania and Hannah typed up a quick message to send to him that included my phone number and email address.

“Do you think he’ll call?” I asked anxiously. Mahmoud. I repeated the name in my head. It was such a great name. There was something exciting about the fact that my Mr. Perfect finally had a name.

“Of course he will!” Hannah exclaimed. “Didn’t you see the gorgeous ‘fair-complexioned’ picture of you we posted? How could he resist?” She winked.

I stared nervously at the screen as they clicked SEND MESSAGE. All I have to do now is wait, I thought, leaning back against the couch. Mahmoud. I repeated the name again, playing with the syllables on my tongue. Leila and Mahmoud. It had a nice ring to it. I picked up my phone and switched the ringer on—eagerly awaiting a phone call from the dreamy, chin-dimpled man from behind the screen.