Page 26 of Set on You

The corners of her lips curl upward, amused. “Why? Do you fancy him?” Before I can even respond with an exaggeratedNo, she continues on. “I thought he’d be perfect for Tara. But she might be better off with someone who will dote on her and shower her with his undivided attention. Scott is too busy for that. Butyou—oh, I could see him with you. Imagine your children!” She hoots and clasps her hands together at the mere thought of us procreating.

My eyes widen and I lean back, away from her. “Anyway.” I clear my throat, trying to steer her back to my original question. “I thought Martin said he had a girlfriend?”

“That’s what everyone thought. But Scotty told him after dinner they’d recently parted ways. Something about the distance being too hard on them. Marty said he seemed down about it. Poor thing.”

I’m rendered silent for a moment, clutching my mug. I’m relieved to find out Scott wasn’t lying about being newly single. He’s not a cheater after all. But it still doesn’t change the fact that he’s just gotten out of a relationship and he’s “down” about it.

“But,” Grandma continues, “if you ask me, he has nothing to worry about. He won’t stay single for long. He’s quite the catch. All-American. Handsome. Nice to Martin. Family oriented. Heroic. Works a lot though... but that means he’d be a good provider. What if I set something up? Are you free tomorrow night?”

“Thanks, Grandma. But I don’t know if he’smytype.” I conveniently leave out that we’re gym nemeses and we loathe each other.

“What’s that, dear? You’re mumbling.” She holds her hand to her ear theatrically.

“I don’t think he’s my type,” I repeat.

She gives me a knowing once-over, as if I’ve just said something completely ludicrous. “Oh, honey. He’severyone’stype. And you’re getting on in age, you know.”

Grandma Flo is a product of the fifties, not that it’s an excuse to be ignorant. But she still firmly believes women should be married in their twenties. Being in your late twenties and unmarried is bordering on spinster status, as per her humble opinion.

“Unless you’re still interested in being one of those career types. I can really picture that for you,” she says, still unable to grasp the concept that women can balance both family and career.

I pretend to check my phone, ignoring the fact that my own grandmother envisions me dying alone. “I have to get back for a virtual meeting with my client,” I lie. “But I’ll see you tomorrow for your bloodwork appointment?” I’m the one who takes Flo to all her various appointments, given I have the most flexible schedule in the family.

She nods, watching me as I stand. “I’ll be ready with bells on.”

As I sit in her driveway behind the steering wheel, I find myself back on Scott’s Instagram page. Maybe I owe him an apology. It’s the least I can do for giving him a hard time and wrongfully accusing him of philandering.

CURVYFITNESSCRYSTAL

You were right. Sorry for not believing you.

By the time I pull into the parking garage of my apartment building, Scott has responded.

RITCHIE_SCOTTY7

You talked to Flo?

CURVYFITNESSCRYSTAL

I did. She confirmed your singleness.

RITCHIE_SCOTTY7

Does that mean you no longer wish death upon me?

CURVYFITNESSCRYSTAL

To be determined.

RITCHIE_SCOTTY7

So when are you taking me on a hot date?

I scoff when I read his text. What is it with guys and their inability to stay single?

You’ve only been single for a little over two weeks. You’re probably still crying into your pillow over her, I want to type in all caps, bold and underlined. But instead of a dramatic response, I give myself a minute to calm down.

CURVYFITNESSCRYSTAL

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