Page 63 of The Match

“Actually, our dogs are pretty large,” I say, but Mom doesn’t snicker because I don’t think she knows how to laugh at a joke. Jo would have laughed. I let out a long sigh and decide to be serious to get this over with faster. “A donation would be great. Feel free to make one at the benefit.”

A family is walking by me, and I can see that they so badly want to stop and pet Charlie. Most people are pretty good about not storming up to pet him without permission. But occasionally, I get a few who don’t understand that he is a working dog and will get right down on the ground and start loving on him without my consent. It’s hard. Not only because it usually makes me have to stop whatever I’m doing but also because it distracts Charlie when I need him to be his most alert. But I try to give everyone as much grace as possible since I know it’s difficult to ignore a dog as adorable and fluffy as Charlie.

Luckily the family passes right by me without stopping and I can breathe a little easier.

“Well, of course we will make a donation at the benefit, but we would also like to make a special donation separate from the fundraiser.” Oh, Mom. I wish so badly she would stop trying to pull these puppet strings all day. I’m tired of dancing for her.

I’m halfway tempted to turn down her offer, but I can’t. We’re desperate for the money. More money means more dogs we can give away to those who need them. I would feel terrible knowing that I had to turn someone away who couldn’t afford the high ticket price of our dogs because I was too insecure to have dinner with my parents. “And I’m guessing there is no way you would consider just mailing us a check?”

Mom makes a scoffing sound. “You know, Evelyn, you are starting to sound rather ungrateful for my offer. Maybe we won’t give an additional donation since it sounds as if you’re not in great need after all.”

I sigh so loudly I’m sure it sounds like a windstorm on Mom’s end. Looks like I’m going to be dancing Wednesday night. “Should I wear tap shoes or ballet shoes for my dance?”

“Excuse me?”

“Never mind. I’ll be there. What time?”

I can practically hear the wrinkles creasing around my mom’s mouth as her lips form a smug smile. “Dinner is at seven. And please, for heaven’s sake, be punctual. We will have a few other important guests at dinner who I’m sure would be more than happy to pull out their checkbooks if you make a good impression. So, come wearing that winning smile I taught you back in your pageant days and a dress with a hemline that hits below the knee.” There is no doubt in my mind that this is all one big trap. I wish I knew what it was so I could be prepared before I get caught in it.

“I’ll be sure and pick up my nun costume from the dry cleaner.”

“Evelyn Grace, don’t you da—”

I hang up, and my phone immediately starts ringing again.

“I wasn’t serious. I don’t even own a nun costume,” I say, standing up and starting to walk home. I don’t feel like eating my feelings anymore. My stomach is twisting too uncomfortably now that I know I have to go to my parents’ house for dinner.

“That’s too bad. I bet you’d make a sexy nun.”

It’s Jake!

“Ha! We do have telepathy.”

“What?”

“Nothing. What’s up?” I realize I’m practically skipping down the sidewalk now. That’s what the sound of Jake’s voice does to me: turns me into a skipper.

“I was just calling to see if you have plans Wednesday night. And before you say anything, I know I’m supposed to wait forty-eight hours before asking you out on a second date, but this is Sam’s fault. She wants you to come over and watch a movie with us. It has nothing to do with me wanting to spend more time with you.”

I stop skipping and groan because now I’m doubly upset that my mom has manipulated me into going to dinner. “I wish I could, but I just made dinner plans that night.”

“Oh. A hot date?” he asks in a playful tone, because he knows it’s not that. I told him I wasn’t going to be seeing anyone else while we figure out what this is between us and he’s doing the same. I feel good about it—so does he.

“Far from it. I’m being forced to go to a dinner party at my parents’ house because they are evil overlords who have too much money.”

“Gotcha. Okay, so do you want some company, then? I can have June stay with Sam.” He’s offering to go with me? I didn’t even really give him a valid reason, and he’s willing to go with me anyway.

“It’s going to be torture.”

“Will you be there?”

I laugh. “Yeah.”

“Then it’ll be worth it.”

Yep. I’m a goner. I am no match for this man. He makes me feel wanted and valued in a way that I didn’t even know was possible. As scary as it is, I’m starting to picture a future with Jake. One where, after forty years of marriage, he still pinches my butt in the kitchen.

Charlie looks up and sees my dreamy expression and shakes his head at me. I think he really is getting jealous now.

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