Page 66 of Gold Rush

“And that’s the reason we’re doing this,” Rory finishes quietly.

“Right.” I inject some optimism into my tone. “It’ll be fine. My dad will try to impress you. Possibly ask a lot of questions. He didn’t believe me when I said we were dating. Not until his buddies at the club confirmed it.”

She frowns. “What? Why wouldn’t he believe you?”

I laugh, but Rory doesn’t. “You serious?”

She is.

“You’re—I haven’t dated many … I’m sure he thinks you’re way too good for me.”

And he’s not the only one.

“That’s ridiculous.”

I shrug. “I’m just trying to give you an idea of what to expect. He’s pretty surprised I convinced you to date me, so that’ll probably come up.”

“Has he met you?” Rory asks incredulously. “You’re—you⁠—”

I raise an eyebrow. “I’m what?”

“Charming!” She says the adjective like a swear.

I grin. “Fluffy doesn’t think so.”

We both look at the cat, still sitting as far from us as possible.

“I was going to name him Atticus Finch,” Rory states. “Back when I thought she was a he.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird?”

“Exactly.”

“What about Finch?” I suggest. “It’s snappier.”

“She’s a cat, Flynn.”

“That’s why it’s funny.”

“Funny isn’t exactly what I was going for.”

“Right. More of a literary vibe?”

“Your sarcasm is noted and not appreciated.”

“Finch!” I call out.

The gray cat hisses, then starts licking another paw.

“See? She already responds to it.”

“I wouldn’t call that a strong endorsement.”

“Well, Finch is my vote.” I stand. Stretch. Wince, gingerly pressing one of the scratches on my right arm. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Use lots of soap,” Rory calls after me.

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