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I was allowed four photos for my page. Once the shoot was completed I emailed eight of the best photos to my boss. Within minutes he replied with the ones he'd chosen. The photos seemed to highlight things I was self conscious of. My open back while looking to the side and a close up of my face where among the things the chosen photos highlighted. We went out on the streets to take them. We decided a solid background would make people think the photos are fake. Chazz reluctantly agreed to let us go out. The only thing he didn't mandate was which dating apps I used. I needed to use several since I only had a few days you get the article written.

App search: Dating apps

App results: #1 datehot.

#2 bindrr.

#3 Plenty of fins.

#4 Hope.

#5 Portal.

These all sound lame. Plenty of fins sounds like it's for old people and don't even get me started on Hope, it's still out there. I've never heard of portal though.

App details: Swipe right for interstellar travel. Free one moth trial.

What a weird tag line. It has a free trial unlike plenty of fins. I should try it. If it sucks I can review it for another article. At least I might get some funny messages. It's probably one of those dating sights for nerds. I ended up downloading the number one, number four and number five top rated apps. I created a basic account on each app. Within minutes I had two matches on datehot. Male genitalia displayed proudly in the messages. I sank in my chair. How am I supposed to write an article about dick pics. Should I say something funny back? I clicked on the first match again.

Adam: image loading...

Short elephant's trunk.

Me: Are you cold?

Adam: I could be warmer.

Me: Try pulling your pants up.

Adam has unmatched you. You will no longer be able to send or receive messages.

Figures. He was a little sensitive. A notification for portal popped up in my screen. I slide it out of the way intending to look at it later. A message came through on hope.

Louis: If you were a veggie you'd be a cutecumber.

Me: if you we're a fruit you'd be a watermoron.

Louis: You're why nice guys finish last.

Me: From my experience they finish first. That's why nice guys don't have sex.

Louis has unmatched you. You will no longer be able to send or receive messages.

Was that too harsh? I mean why do they have to be all weird.

You have two new messages from Arkis on Portal.

Arkis is a weird name. Let's see. I clicked on his profile before reading his messages. Honestly, his name intrigued me. He had three photos. The first was a photo of a tall muscular man posing with a alien creature. The creature appeared to be a serpent in human form yet it wore regular people clothing. That's an odd choice for cosplay. The second photo was the same man who must be Arkis standing on a beach with pink sand. He wore a wetsuit and carried a surf board. His dark curly hair turned orange from the sand. In the background two suns set. This guy had some weird hobbies. The third photo was a selfie. He smiled brightly, his full lips pulled back showing perfect teeth. His eyes, two warm pools, showed kindness. Everything about his face drew me in. He is handsome.

Arkis: Hey

Arkis:Do you only own one outfit? All your photos are the same. Or are you cat fishing with some poor model's photos?

Well, I didn't expect that. I shouldn't have been so sloppy. I'm impressed he caught that so quickly.

Me: I do have more clothes. I didn't think this out very well but I'm writing an article for feedhub about dating apps. Not cat fishing my company paid for a makeover. I am in no sense, shape or form a model.

He saw my message immediately and three dancing dots appeared next to his name. I watched the screen eagerly.

Arkis: Your pictures are model worthy. Interesting, so you're a journalist?

Me: No I write click bait articles so people fill their time with fleeting entertainment but I do have a bachelors in journalism. I appreciate that you think I could be a model.

Arkis: You don't seem to enjoy it. Why not be a journalist?

Me: It's a long story. I took this as it was my only option after giving up a position I was scouted for.

Arkis: Sounds like a man was involved in that decision.

Me: There was...I'm catching stalker vibes from you. Haha...

Arkis: Not stalker. I just understand things.

Me: Are you always this mysterious?

Arkis: I try to be. I need to head to work but I'm interested in talking to you more. That is if your work will allow it.

Me: Nothing in the rule book that says I can't.

Arkis: I'll be talking to you later then.

He signed off. I wonder if he's in a different time zone. It's kind of late to just now head into work. Suddenly I realized I don't know anything about him. Arkis... The urge to social media stalk him was quelled as a more notifications from other men. I'll have to admit he had me intrigued. I know all to well how misleading men can be but something about him made me trust him. He saw me. I laid my head on my desk. It was cold. My face felt hot against its hard surface. What am I doing with my life. I was fine without men. I didn't want men. I haven't had a man in almost a year but one conversation has me giddy.