Page 48 of Out of Nowhere

“I’m okay with it if you are,” Dex said, smiling.

In answer, Seo-jun took Dex’s hand in his as they walked the rest of the way to the house.

Chapter Twenty-nine: Dex

Penelope was an attractive redhead several inches shorter than Dex with a sprinkling of freckles over her nose and a girlish look to her that belied the sheer ruthlessness of her persistent nature.

“I’m seeing someone now. I’m sorry,” Dex told her after they’d greeted one another and sat down.

“Yet you came to meet me,” Penelope said. “I take that as a good sign.”

Before Dex could reply, the waitress approached their table to get their drink orders.

“I’m ready to order if you are,” he told Penelope, who did after a quick look at the menu.

“Will this be on one tab or two?” the waitress asked after Dex told her what he wanted.

“I’m paying for both,” Dex said.

When the waitress left, Penelope grinned. “Thank you. Very gentlemanly.”

“It’s the least I could do since I’m wasting your time.”

“You’re not wasting my time. I wanted to meet you.” Penelope picked up the glass of water closest to her and took a sip. “You’re really cute.”

Dex felt himself blushing. “Thanks. And you’re quite attractive. But, as I said, I’m seeing someone.”

“That’s not what your mother told me.”

“I haven’t told my mother about my new relationship yet.”

“Oh? How come? She seemed really worried you’d never find someone.”

God, how embarrassing, Dex thought. “I’ve been out of town, and I wanted to see how it went first.”

“Is it someone you just met?”

“No, I’ve known—“ Dex started to say “him,” then thought maybe he should say “her” just to keep him from having to explain, then almost changed it to “them.” But it was too late; the fact that he hesitated would call attention to an ambiguous pronoun. “Listen, it doesn’t matter. I’m just here because my mother took it upon herself to try to get us together, and that wasn’t fair on you because I’m not free. I’m sorry.”

“You’re really nice,” Penelope said with another grin. “I like you. Seriously. Not many men would bother to do what you’re doing. I get that you’ve met someone you’re potentially interested in, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, right? And if this relationship of yours doesn’t work, maybe we can be more.”

“I don’t know if—“ The waitress interrupted Dex by bringing their food.

“This looks so good!” Penelope enthused, digging into the pasta she’d ordered.

Dex concentrated on cutting up his steak and buttering his baked potato.

“What do you do for a living? Your mom said something about computers?” Penelope watched him with curious blue eyes.

Dex told her a little about his job, and then politely asked about hers.

“I’m a dog trainer,” she told him, sprinkling a little salt on her pasta before taking another bite.

Dex wondered why his mother thought they’d have anything in common. Dex liked dogs, but he didn’t own one.

“How do you know my mother?” he asked between bites of asparagus.

“She didn’t tell you? My mom is Garfield’s sister, Cordelia.”

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