Page 80 of The Blind Date

"Not this again,” Dad groaned, and I had to hold myself back from laughing at the way Alfie tutted in agreement. It only lasted a moment before they returned to watching the match, but it was enough to set our mums off.

"Saffron!" Mum called out to me at the same time Yasmin called out for her son, "Cedric!"

I ignored them both. “You can’t see what they see in me? What’s that supposed to mean? What’s wrong with me?”

“Where do I start?”

Even though it was very tempting to give up the whole act and burst into laughter at just how absurd this conversation was, we were too far in. Instead, I sniffled and forced my eyes to tear up. What our parents didn't know was that I had sneakily poked my eye when they weren’t paying attention. I also smudged my mascara to feed into the illusion that the tears were real.

“Saffron?” Mum called out to me, her voice dripping with genuine concern, but I didn’t turn to face her.

Little did they know that Cedric’s hand had been on my thigh the whole time, hidden from view by the tablecloth. It only dropped when I made a point of storming away from the table in a huff. I didn't know where to go, and since I didn't want to stand outside in the cold without my coat, I headed to the bathroom.

I knew it was only a matter of time until Mum followed me to ask me what had just happened. Short on time, I quickly splashed water on my face and smudged my mascara even more.

“Saffron?” Mum stepped into the bathroom, cautiously closing the door behind her. “What’s wrong, honey? What happened out there?”

“Did you not see it?” I sniffled, wiping a tissue under my eyes.

“I don’t understand why you’re so upset over this. Your skin is normally so much thicker. Are you on your period?”

“No,” I sniffled and grabbed another tissue to blow my nose even though I didn’t need to. “I’m not on my period.”

“Then why are you so upset?”

“Did you not see what happened out there? Cedric is so annoying.”

“Perhaps, but that still doesn't explain why you're so upset over this,” Mum frowned, not as convinced as I needed her to be.

That meant I had to pull out the big guns.

“I hate having to deal with him, Mum. Why do you and Dad insist on setting us up all the time?” For the finale, I closed my eyes and squeezed them tight, forcing out the last few tears. “Do you not see just how much we hate each other? He drives me crazy! I’m miserable whenever he’s around! He’s rude, and he’s obnoxious, and he takes every opportunity to insult me. There’s only so thick that my skin can get. After a while, it hurts. I just can’t deal with him anymore!”

My poor, innocent Mum fell right into the trap as she sighed and pulled me into her arms, holding me tight as she stroked a gentle, comforting hand through my hair.

I almost felt bad.

“I’m so sorry, Saff,” she apologised, sounding just as moved as I was right now. “Your dad and I didn’t realise you were feeling like this. I promise you that this wasn’t our intention. We honestly thought we were helping you out.”

“I know, Mum, but it’s all so overwhelming and difficult to deal with week after week.”

"I promise we won't make this mistake again." She squeezed me one last time before pulling away from the hug to hold me at arm’s length. "We genuinely thought that Cedric and you were perfect for each other. But if it's making you this unhappy, we’ll stop. I see now that we've made a big mistake."

“I hate him, Mum.” I sent her a watery smile, grateful she was eating right out of my hands.

"You don't have to see him anymore, honey. The last thing your dad and I want is for you to be miserable." She held my hands in hers, squeezing them. "Come on, honey." She pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Let's go back to the table. I'll have a word with Yasmin. I'm sure she'll understand."

"Okay," I sniffled and followed her out of the bathroom.

My face was red and blotchy from all the fake crying, but if it meant it would successfully get our parents off our cases, then so be it.

I wasn't surprised when no one suggested that we stick around for dessert like we usually did. Instead, we moved into the parking lot where our parents' cars were parked.

I wasn't sure when Mum had gotten the chance to speak to Yasmin without us noticing, but when she pulled me in for a tight hug, squeezing tighter and lingering longer than she usually did, I knew she had.

"I'm sorry for making you so upset, Saffron," Yasmin whispered to me. "It wasn't our intention, but I see now that we were far too forceful. I apologise, and I hope this doesn't change your perception of us."

"It doesn't, Yasmin.” I shook my head and squeezed her back. "I guess it just got too overwhelming for me, but I still think you’re both lovely people."

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