Page 48 of Merry Little Midlife Matchmaker

I huffed a laugh and kicked my own feet up onto the coffee table. I’d wanted to linger in the kitchen with Lizzie, but I felt awkward about doing it in Aaron’s house. I was so painfully attracted to her, but he was my best friend. He was the wholereason I’d moved to this town, along with my aunts. It was for weekends like this, where we could hang out and Mikey could know what it was like to grow up with a community around him.

Could I really blow that up for a woman? For Lizzie?

Last time I’d taken a chance on a woman, she cheated on me during the one time of year I needed her most.

“You still hung up on Melody?”

I glanced over at my best friend. “What?”

“Is that why you keep brushing off these dates?”

“No. No, definitely not.”

“Good. Wasn’t right, what she did to you. Especially knowing what you’ve been through around this time of year.”

A familiar ache throbbed in my chest. I rubbed the spot and nodded. “I’m over it,” I said, but I wasn’t quite sure it was the truth.

“Maybe we forget about the whole New Year’s kiss thing and just get through the holidays. Then Lizzie can come up with some better prospects for you. You can get on the apps, see if anyone’s out there. It’s about time you found someone.”

“Lizzie doesn’t need to do anything for me,” I replied a little too hotly. “She’s done plenty.”

Aaron hummed, eyes tracking the play on the screen. “Yeah.”

“Besides, she’s been divorced longer than I have, and I don’t hear anyone talking about how it’s time for her to start dating again.”

Aaron’s brows drew low over his eyes, but he didn’t take his eyes off the screen. “What do you mean?”

“Why isn’t anyone trying to set her up with a new guy?”

Aaron frowned harder and finally looked at me. “Who? My sister?”

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“My sister doesn’t want to date anyone.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yes,” Aaron replied emphatically. “She’s fine. She’s happy. She’s got the kids and the job and everything.”

“I’ve got a kid and a job and everything.”

“What are you trying to say?”

It was my turn to put my palms up. “I’m not saying anything. Just asking the question. She’s not dating anyone, is she?”

Aaron turned back to the TV. “Not that I’m aware.”

I glanced at the opening that led to the hallway and the kitchen, listening for footsteps. When I heard none, I asked, “What was up with her ex?”

“Whose ex?”

“Your sister’s.”

“Lizzie?”

“You got another sister I don’t know about?”

Aaron snorted, then shrugged. “I think they just grew apart. That’s what Lizzie said.”

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