Page 64 of More Than a Blind Date

“Lay it on me. I’m good at helping people solve problems.” She plops down beside me.

“You already know that Dallas dumped me last night. And this morning, I discovered why. My dad gave me an ultimatum: Dallas or my job.”

“Let me guess. Dallas got wind of that before you did.”

“I’m guessing. He’s still a coward for not talking to me.”

“I don’t disagree. But it was probably a bit too much déjà vu for him.”

I bite into my burger, and my stomach thanks me for the savory after indulging in too much ice cream. “I thought of that. But please don’t tell him that I walked away from the family business.”

“You quit?” Tandy drops her burger into her lap, and it topples to the floor. “Oh, crap. I’m so sorry.”

Purring loudly, Floofy helps himself.

“It’s fine. But don’t tell my landlady. And I’m sorry about your burger.”

“There are five more in the bag. I wasn’t sure if you were an emotional eater. I am.” She pats her hips. “But I guess that’s a bit obvious. I just eat for all emotions. Sad, happy, sleepy, angry. They all deserve a snack.”

I laugh and slap a hand over my mouth to keep from spewing bits of lettuce. Then the drained feeling overtakes me again. “I quit on the spot, and I’m pretty sure I got disowned. I just didn’t bother to mention to my dad that Dallas and I were no longer together. And I get that some parents use tough love. But it isn’t like Dallas is some rebel in a biker gang. He doesn’t have enough tattoos for that.”

Tandy slaps a hand over her heart. “I might cry. You really love my nephew.”

“You cannot breathe a word to him about my quitting.”

She crosses her heart, then runs a finger along her lips. “Won’t say a word to Dallas about it.”

“I have a question.” I finish off the burger.

Tandy unwraps another one. “Yeah?”

“Where is Dallas’s tattoo and what is it? I mean, I’m guessing it’s small because I’ve never seen it. It’s not on his chest or his back.”

“I didn’t know he had a tattoo. My advice is to keep searching.” She winks. “When the time is right.”

I’m afraid to wish for a happily-ever-after.

“Getting to the reason I wanted to meet. I know Dallas is covering the difference in rent. But can we work something out? I’ll move out if you need to rent to someone else. And I won’t be mad.”

“You will not move out, and there will be no rent of any sort until you are back on your feet.”

“You can’t?—”

Tandy wags a finger in my face. “Don’t tell me what I can’t do. I’ll do whatever the heck I please. And right now, it pleases me to have you here.”

Still holding my burger, I hug her. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

She holds on, rubbing my back. “I’m honored that you messaged me.” She dabs her eyes with a napkin. “Dallas is the only family I have. And I love him. But I also love the family I have that isn’t related by blood. I love Matthew, and thank the Lord, he isn’t a blood relation. What I’m trying to say is, family are the people who circle the wagons and help you when you need it. The people who love you no matter what. That’s family. And when you called me, that made us family.”

“I think I need another burger. And a job.”

“It’s not a permanent solution, but I do know of a local store that’s looking for help.”

“I wonder if they’ll hire me.”

“Matthew’s granddaughter-in-law is the owner. I’ll give her a call. How do you feel about lingerie?”

“It’s as pretty as flowers.”

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