Page 66 of More Than a Blind Date

He sips his drink. “I’m thinking your decision isn’t some great sacrifice on your part. What are you afraid of?”

“Have you been hanging out with Mason?” I sip my coffee, hoping caffeine will carry me through the rest of the day.

“Who’s that?”

“Kent’s kid. He doles out relationship advice. And who said I’m afraid of anything?”

“Are you?” Colt grins as if he knows there is a secret I’m keeping.

“Fine. I’ll tell you. Years ago, my fiancée ended our engagement a week before the wedding because her parents gave her an ultimatum. She didn’t choose me. I won’t put myself through that again.”

“So Rose is a lot like your ex?”

“No, are you crazy? My ex is more like Rose’s mom. Rose is the sweetest, bravest…” I drop my head into my hands. “Yes, I was afraid, but I really do care about her happiness. She proposed the fake engagement so that her parents would give her the new location. That was the reason. I can’t stand in the way of that.”

“You’re right. Running a store is way more important than finding love. Because love wilts, and flowers last forever.”

I kick him under the table. “Shut up.”

“I’ll be nice.”

The waitress slides plates in front of us. “Can I get y’all anything else?”

“This is good. Thanks.”

“Just holler if you need something. And, hun, assuming that you know what she wants is risky. You might both end up losing.”

“Thanks.” When she walks away, I lean forward. “Is everyone around here in the business of giving relationship advice?”

“No offense, but you kind of look like you need it.”

Standing outside Tandy’s office,I stretch and shake off the nerves. I can’t avoid her forever, and now is as good a time as any.

Before I knock, she opens the door. “You done avoiding me?”

“For now.”

“Come on in.”

“Before you ask, I wanted to let you know that Rose and I ended our engagement. We’re not faking anymore. But I still intend to cover the extra portion of the rent on her place.”

“No. Did you have anything else you wanted to discuss?”

“Aunt Tandy, you can’t throw her out. She needs a place of her own. If she moves back into the garage apartment at her parents’ house, she’ll have to get rid of Floofy, and she loves that cat. She’d live in her car before giving up that cutie.”

“I have no plans to throw anyone out of anywhere.”

“Good. Okay, but you shouldn’t have to endure a loss because of my decision.”

“Dallas, dear. I am well and capable of thinking for myself. All women are.”

“I was not implying that you couldn’t…” I stare, realization sparking. “You’ve already talked to Rose.”

“Yes.”

“Is she okay? When is the new location going to open? I bet she’s excited.”

“I need to set a boundary with you. I love you, and I love Rose. She’s a delight. But until further notice, I will not engage in conversations about her with you. My relationship with you is separate from the relationship I have with her.”

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