Page 40 of More Than a Blind Date

But we’ve clicked as friends. I’ve told him a few things that I’ve never even admitted to Daphne, and she knows most of my secrets. It’s nice hearing a different perspective and being reassured that the way my mom treats me isn’t okay. But I need to remember that he’s just my hot best friend who happens to kiss me when others are around. It’s simple really. Not complicated at all.

Since my goal isn’t to completely burn bridges with my parents, I accepted Mom’s dinner invite. She didn’t include Dallas, and I decided not to bring it up.

But I do shoot him a text as I cross the driveway.

Me: Why does it feel like I’m about to walk the plank?

Dallas:Text me an X and I’ll call immediately. If you send XXX, I’ll hop in the truck and hurry that way.

It astounds me that this guy is single. He’s a gem.

I send a heart, then open the front door, knocking as I do. “Hi. I’m here.”

“In the kitchen, dear. Your dad will be here in a few minutes. I sent him to pick up dessert.” Mom wipes her hands, then gives me a hug. “It’s not too late to change your mind about moving. And I thought pumpkin pie might convince you.”

Pumpkin pie is one of my least favorite foods. It ranks somewhere near liver and licorice. So tonight, I’ll be going to bed without dessert. But I’ll live.

The front door opens, and Dad walks into the kitchen a minute later. “Sweetheart, I’m so glad you came. I picked up dessert. A pumpkin pie and some snickerdoodle cookies because I know pumpkin isn’t your favorite.”

Mom shoots him a curious look. She probably truly doesn’t know what others like because she doesn’t listen. Dad remembers because he’s tired of the pouting when he refuses to eat brussel sprouts, which he hates with a passion. And he doesn’t want to make others feel that way. I just wish he had more of a spine with my mom.

There is a part of me that worries she’ll use the family business to try to control my actions. And Dad may not stand up to her then either.

But I’ll cross the bridge when I come to it. If I come to it. My gut says I will.

During dinner, Mom casually says, “Be sure to give us your address so we know where to send your paycheck.”

“I always get it from the shop, but I’ll make sure I text you my mailing address.” I’m a step ahead of my mom on this one thanks to Dallas.

When I mentioned to him that I didn’t want my mom to know my new address so that she couldn’t randomly show up at my door, he suggested getting a P.O. Box. And I did.

Dad takes a sip of wine, then smiles. “I’ll miss having you around like this. But I’m glad you found a place so quickly. I bet Floofy will be happy about living with you again.”

“Yeah—” I get cut off by my mom’s huff.

“She’s already living with Floofy and that boyfriend of hers. I don’t like him. How do we know you aren’t just moving all your furniture to his place?”

“I’m not. It’ll be just me and Floofy at the new place.” I decide not to tell my parents that Dallas sleeps in someone’s guest room every night so that I can cuddle in bed with my kitty.

Dad pokes at his food. “Dallas does seem a bit possessive.”

Irritation claws its way up my esophagus. “Are you referring to the incident at the hotel when Dallas saw how uncomfortable I was with the idea of sharing a room with Richard? I like that Dallas takes my opinions and wishes into account.”

Mom shakes her head. “Sharing a room with Richard would have given y’all a chance to talk. You saw how well that worked for Cara and Sage. Why are you so resistant? It’s like you hit twenty-five and our opinions no longer matter.” She sighs. “We want the best for you, Rose. Don’t you see that?”

“I have no romantic interest in Richard. Never have, and no amount of talking will change that.” If I had evidence that Richard was horrible or abusive, I’d share it with my parents, or at least my dad. But I don’t. It’s simply an unsettling feeling when he walks up and is overly friendly. Telling my mom thatRichard gives me bad vibes will only cause her to launch into a lecture about not being dramatic. So I leave that out.

By the time they are eating pie and I’m munching snickerdoodle cookies, I am beyond ready to move. For too long, I opted not to rock the boat. Now I’m ready to jump off the side.

Dallas is waitingoutside when I pull up to his cabin. “How’d it go?”

“Pretty much as expected.” I blink, trying my best not to get worked up. It’s not worth it. Mom behaved the same way she always does, and Dad didn’t rock the boat.

He wraps his arms around me. “Come on inside. Ava sent me home with a huge slice of chocolate cake for you. She says you’ll need the energy for tomorrow’s move.”

“Ava is the woman who cooks at Stargazer Springs?” I’ve met so many people from the ranch, and I’m still learning names.

He nods and pulls out a chair. “Yep. Ava and Goldie handle the food and cleaning out at the ranch. They are both good cooks, but it’s hard for anyone to beat Ava’s cooking. The woman is amazing with food and desserts. The next time she makes lemon bars, I’ll bring some home. They are to die for.”

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