Page 61 of More Than a Blind Date

I try to act like the earth hasn’t shifted. “You coming in?”

He stares at his boots. “No. I had fun tonight. Your brother is a great guy. Cara too. Well, she’s not a guy, but she’s great. I’m glad you have them in your corner.”

I cross my arms, hoping that will keep my emotions from spilling out. “They’re awesome.”

“I heard a rumor that you’re getting the store, so that’s good news. I guess this plan of yours worked like a charm.”

“Oh? I hadn’t heard. Dad said we’d talk about it first thing tomorrow.”

Dallas drags the tip of his boot along a mark on the porch. “But I guess this is it. The part where you tell people you broke up with me because I was too hard to get along with.”

“I’m not the one breaking up, Dallas. And I won’t lie about that. When they ask, I’ll say you ended things because you thought I was too young.” And stupid. I choose not to add the last part because I’m trying to play a few cards close to my chest. “And honestly, after everything, I assumed—wrongly—that we’d talk about things after the wedding. I’m not sure who said what to you or what flipped your switch, but there’s a reason. You just don’t want to talk about it. Fine. But I thought you were different.” Tears are threatening, but I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing how upset I am, so I step inside and close the door.

Then I sink to the floor in my gown and sob.

Poor Floofy is so confused, but he doesn’t complain when I wrap my arms around him and cry into his fur.

As far as bravery, this is the best I can do tonight. If Dallas can’t trust me enough to talk about whatever he was told, then we aren’t meant to be.

After a half hour, Floofy climbs out of my lap and runs to the kitchen. He runs back to me again and meows.

“Are you hungry, sweet boy?” I push off the floor.

And I hear boots on the porch. Is Dallas just now leaving?

His truck starts, and I peek out just in time to see him pull away.

I tap out a text to Daphne as I walk to the kitchen.

Me:He ended things at the door tonight.

Daphne:Well, crap. I’ll grab a tub of Blue Bell and head that way. I’ll get 2 tubs. And some marshmallow cream. And chocolate sauce. Anything else?

Me:You don’t need to come over.

Daphne:Phooey. What did you leave in his truck? Please tell me you left something.

Me:An earring.

Daphne:Perfect. See you in a half hour. Does kitty need treats? I don’t want him to be jealous.

Me:I have treats here. Thanks for coming.

After filling Floofy’s food bowl, I send another text. This one is to Tandy. It’s late, and she’s probably asleep, but I might not have the nerve to text her in the morning. I have to do it while I’m feeling brave.

Me:Tandy, would you have time to meet tomorrow? For lunch maybe?

I’m not sure if I should let her know in a text that Dallas and I are over. A response pops up right away.

Tandy:Yes. You tell me when and where.

Me:Thank you.

Tandy:He got scared, didn’t he?

Me:He made it clear that he’s done. Didn’t give a reason.

Tandy:Need anything tonight? Matthew and I have extra rooms if you don’t want to be in an empty house.

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