Moira purchased matching sweaters for you both.
They are not visually appealing, and I tried to dissuade her, but I’d appreciate it if you could try to appear grateful.
As long as I only have to wear it aroundher.
[Thumbs-up emoji]
Text conversation with Nora
I don’t think they saw us.
I require further context.
Our parents. I just got a text from my dad.
They’re inviting us over for dinner on Monday.
Spoiler alert: we’re getting matching sweaters.
How couple-y of us.
We can wear them when we go on our next double date.
Please tell me it hasn’t been confirmed yet.
It’s a done deal. We’re going on Thursday. Pansy’s already been texting me about it. She’s pretty insistent on going bowling. In Apple Ridge. [Puke emoji]
What if I have a finger injury?
From all the finger-banging you’ve been doing to me?
That could be a fun story.
Yup, you’ll DEFINITELY be the death of me.
When can I come over to do stalking research?
I’m busy with band stuff this weekend.
After dinner on Monday?
Ugh. I have to spend the whole night with you?
Also yes.
The weekend passes in a blur of shows, boxing practice, and work for the foundation. I try not to think about Nora, but it’s as hopeless as trying not to breathe.
On Sunday, the not-so-little-and-old ladies stop by to pass along their gift for the new Mr. and Mrs. Applebaum-Peebles. It’s a medium-sized box wrapped in floral paper. The box is heavy, but I’d assumed the gift would be some kind of large plant or ugly statue—something that would require placement in the house before my father and Mrs. Applebaum-Peebles return from their vacation. This gift looks like it could easily have been given to them at any point.
It’s only as I accept it from Dottie that I realize it was a ruse all along. For some reason, Dottie and Ann have taken it upon themselves to oversee my situation with Nora, and they will not be denied.
Sure enough, they invite themselves into my house for a “tipple” and plant themselves at the dining room table. Dottie hardly takes a breath before she forces me to sit and asks me to tell them everything. Ann, in great anticipation, turns on her hearing aid, insisting she doesn’t want to miss a single word.
“Did you know my dad was going to Apple Ridge on his honeymoon?” I ask Dottie as I hand them both bottles of ginger beer.
“Of course. Didn’t you?”
I clench my jaw as I sit opposite Dottie. “And you didn’t think to mention it to me when I told you where Nora and I were going for our double date?”
