Page 7 of Not That Into You

“Your father and I have allowed you to flit around long enough. It’s time to get serious. You need to settle down.”

And there it is. Clearly the directive to entertain the younger Threadstone isn’t just about fleecing her parents; it’s also about marrying me off.

What little remains of my patience disappears. “So you’ve chosen the perfect wife for me?”

“Vanessa is well bred with impeccable taste.”

Unbelievable. I huff out a breath while shaking my head.

“I’m not asking for an engagement announcement by the end of the weekend, but you will give her a chance.”

I throw up my hands. “How can I do anything else when she’s well-bred with impeccable taste? Just what I’m looking for in a wife.”

“Cameron.”

“My heart is all aflutter.” I put my hand over my heart and try for a dopey, lovestruck grin before clearing my expression. “No.”

“Cameron. You’re almost thirty years old.”

“I’m aware of my age.”

“It’s time to get serious.”

“I am not dating Vanessa Treadstone.”

“Threadstone.”

“Whatever. I can’t do it.”

“Whyever not?”

“Because...” I rack my brain for an excuse. “I’m seeing someone.”

“Really? It can’t be serious.”

“It is.”

My mother goes on high alert, and my heart rate increases as I realize what I’ve just said. Shit. I’m not dating anyone seriously. I haven’t been on a second date with the same woman in months. What was I thinking?

“Where is she? Why haven’t I met her?”

Because she doesn’t exist? “She wasn’t able to make it tonight.”

“Who is she?”

“No one you know.”

My mother’s eyes narrow. “Is it the woman Justine told me about?”

Who? “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The woman you were fighting with at Hayley’s birthday party.”

“Monica?” Shit. Once again, I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Giving my mother a name is like dropping chum in the water. “How did you hear about that?”

“Please, Cameron. Hayley’s friends are the sons and daughters of my friends. One of them saw you arguing with a woman and said it looked like a lovers’ quarrel. I’d initially dismissed it out of hand, but is that who you’re dating? This Monica?”

Shit. Shit, shit, shit. What to do? On the one hand, it seems Justine inadvertently provided a way out of the hole I’ve been so diligently digging. On the other hand... I’d pay good money to see Monica’s reaction to my mother’s assumption.

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