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CHAPTERSIX
Charity
I’m not evenin my car when I pick up my phone and dial Darlene.
“Hello, bestie!” she says, sounding way too perky for the dressing down I’m about to give her.
“Why didn’t you tell me who I was meeting with today?”
“Because it was more fun this way?” she giggles.
“Oh no, you don’t,” I warn. “Just because I said he was hot one time, months ago, does not mean I need to be set up.”
She scoffs. “Now what would make you think I’d do a thing like that?”
I shake my head and start my car. “Oh, I don’t know. Does your most recent matchmaking not ring any bells?”
“That’s not fair. Mel and Cooper were already heading there all on their own.”
“And you invited her to Teddy’s just because?” I accuse. Teddy’s is the restaurant attached to The Playground and definitely not a vanilla establishment.
Darlene giggles. “Maybe I meddled a little, but not really. I actually did want Teddy’s for my birthday dinner. It’s delicious.”
My phone clicks over to speaker as I pull out of the parking lot and head towards home. “Well, I don’t need any of your so-called meddling.”
“You do need security though, and Jasper is the best.”
I’m annoyed because she’s right about needing someone to look into my current situation. Even if it’s likely that I’m being paranoid. Better safe than sorry and I learned that one the hard way already. “Next time a heads up would be nice.”
She laughs again. “Noted. So what did he say?”
“He’s going to look into it. He took things as seriously as you did. He also seemed concerned with my father setting me up.”
“Huh,” Darlene says.
“That sounds like a loaded ‘huh.’”
“Oh nothing,” she sing-songs. “Just wondering if meddling is even necessary.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. He doesn’t even know me.”
She scoffs. “He doesn’t have to know you to be attracted to you.”
“You’re nuts. He was being completely professional.”
“If you say so.”
I roll my eyes even though she can’t see it. “I do. I can’t believe you’re trying to set me up with someone. I’ve barely even gotten settled down.”
“I just want you to be as happy as I am.”
My heart might melt just a little because I know my best friend has her heart in the right place, even if it’s not exactly what I want.
“I am happy, Dar. Seriously. I have a great new job. I’m living in the same city as my best friend again. I’ve made new friends already. Also, I have a freaking amazing club to be a part of… Life is good,” I say, meaning every word.
I am happy.
“Yeah, life is good, minus the whole stalker thing and your dad being some kind of archaic matchmaker.”
