Despairing of himself, he was about to exit the site when he received another ‘like’. Jason’s gaze strayed to her photograph, and he found himself taken aback. The woman was stunning, her hair, glossy brunette, tumbling over her shoulders, her skin lightly tanned and dotted with cute freckles. Her eyes were dark, rich chestnut in colour and with a definite twinkle therein. It was her smile, though, that caught his attention. She was laughing in all three photos she’d uploaded, natural and carefree.

Jessie Kinsella. He read her name and then curiously checked out her profile:

Not a 9–5 girl. Nursing is my thing. Caring, but don’t cross me. See aikido emoji. Black belt wannabe. Theatre, thrillers and chick flicks make me happy. Prefer > Dinner + Movie. Fancy surfing (home or abroad), climbing a mountain and the Golden Gate Bridge?

Seeking: Men who can laugh at themselves + value health. Character – sporty. Smiling is sexy. Say hello!

She was located in Ireland, he noted. Far enough away that there was no risk of any hasty ‘hook-ups’. Would it really hurt to say hello? Jason hesitated, and then, reminding himself that he actually didn’t have anything to lose, took up her invitation.

Nice to meet you, Jessie. He typed. Great bio. Do I need to learn self-defence?

She replied instantly. Depends. Are you nice to meet?

Depends… on who I’m meeting, Jason responded.

This is why I do aikido, she sent back.

Jason wasn’t sure how to reply to that.

Some people are NOT nice. Dating apps can be a minefield of douches and bad pick-up lines. She beat him to it.

Might be guilty of the latter. He answered, after a second. New to this. Sorry.

Ah, a dating app virgin, she sent swiftly back. Well, don’t be shy. I don’t bite. Not unless I’m hungry.

Jason started to type – That’s a shame – and then backspaced. What was he doing?

Not the world’s greatest online conversationalist, are you? she messaged, before he could think of anything else to say.

No. Sorry. Jason answered honestly, and wondered again what in God’s name he was doing exactly. If he needed someone to talk to, he should talk to his sister, or possibly Mark. Except, with her husband out of work, Hannah had a shedload of her own problems right now, and Mark… Jason was pretty sure what his advice would be: Go get yourself laid and take your mind off your problems. If only it were that easy.

Aw, don’t be, Jessie sent back. I like it that you’re shy. Like your profile too. Sporty = good. Pic = good. No six-pack on show = not a douchey shirtless Casanova.

Glad you approve. You have a nice smile.

My best feature. Fancy talking properly?