Page 10 of Crazy Little Thing Called Love

“Because you wanted to.”

Oh. Well, that was...sweet. She guessed.

“We can go somewhere else if this makes you uncomfortable.”

He waved a hand in the air, the goofy grin still on his face. “Oh no, it’s not a problem or anything. I just can’t handle my booze. One sip and I’m throwing up chunks in the bathroom.”

There was an image she’d rather not have. “If you’re sure?”

He motioned to her drink, which didn’t seem as appealing anymore.

“I’ll be right back with that club soda.” Del smiled at Lando and headed back to the bar, but not before giving Cassie a wink and obnoxious thumbs up.

An hour later, she’d finished her martini and would sell her prized Prada shoes for another. Lando was a nice guy, but they were not compatible in any way. Too bad she couldn’t seem to get that through to him. Her cheeks hurt from the forced smile she’d been holding the last hour. When he finally left the table for a short bathroom break, she caught Del’s eye and waved him over.

He sauntered toward the table like he had all the time in the world. He might, but she didn’t.

“Problem, Sassy?”

Ignoring the cursed nickname, she glared. “Yes, actually. I need another drink, make it a double, and I need you to get me out of this.”

“Scare off your date? But I thought you wanted me to just be nice.”

Why did the entire male species have to be a pain in her ass lately? Were there no decent men left?

“I don’t want you to haul him out on his ass or anything. He’s an…okay guy. We just don’t click.”

Del crossed his arms. “Then tell him that.”

“I tried.” She dropped her head into her hands. “He said every woman says that at first. He claimed it takes a while to get used to him.”

“Maybe it does. Why don’t you give him a chance?”

Lifting her head, she glanced to make sure her date was still in the bathroom. “He just spent the last forty-five minutes explaining why Star Wars is the best movie ever.”

“Hey.” Del lifted a hand to point at her. “Star Wars is awesome.”

“I agree, it’s a good movie, but he takes it a little more seriously than a normal person.”

Del laughed. “He’s a bit of a geek. No problem. Geeks are in now.”

“His real name is Steven. He changed it to Lando when he turned eighteen.”

Cocking his head to the side, Del’s brow rose. “Oh…that’s—”

“Weird, right?”

Del shrugged. “Maybe he’s just a big fan?”

“According to Lando, he’s the number one fan in the galaxy.” Wondering why life suddenly had the urge to kick her while she was down, she grabbed Del’s arm. “He wants to have a Star Wars-themed wedding with an actual Jedi Master performing the ceremony. I can’t get married as Princess Leia!”

Shoulders shaking, obviously trying to hold back laughter, Del grinned. “But you’d look so good in those cinnamon buns.”

“I’m serious, Del. He’s a nice guy, but he won’t take a gentle no, and I don’t want to hurt his feelings by being mean. So get me a drink and figure out a way to scare him off. Nicely,” she added, not wanting to upset the poor guy. He might be oblivious, but he wasn’t a jerk.

“Don’t worry, Cassie.” Del patted her hand, removing the death grip she had on his wrist. “I’ll make it seem like it’s his idea to leave.”

“Thank you.”

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