Page 41 of Lovesick
It always felt better when I actually knew what was happening. In real life, there was no dual point-of-view. My utter lack of insight into JJ’s mind left me swimming in uncertainty, engulfed in the desire to hole up in my room.
Besides, he had a few points, I had to reluctantly admit. Why had his cleaning and mice removal been a romantic gesture? I had no idea, but itwas. Surely, it had roots in something. I’d have to psychoanalyze it later.
Despite all my best efforts to stay strong, I couldn’t stop a niggling doubt: What if he was right? What if romance wasn’t real and I was in for a world of hurt?
Before that grew steam, Bethany turned the conversation. “When are you coming home next?”
“Not sure. Maybe this weekend? I told Mark I wanted Saturday and Sunday off.”
“Great.”
“Why?”
“Because I have a huge favor to ask.”
“Anything.”
She grimaced. “Don’t say that yet, because you may not be on board. There’s a couple I’ve been working with for a month now. They found a house they want, and an offer is about to come through. But the buyers want to check out the Jackson City area to make sure they like it. They’re city people.”
“Okay.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I think their son might buy it for them.”
“Well, that’s nice.”
“He told them he wants toget a feel for the placebefore he gives his blessing on buying it. They said something about him possibly moving out to be near them? I’m not really sure. It’s their we’re-going-to-buy-it-and-live-there-till-we-die house.”
“Don’t tell me you want me to show him around.”
“No. They’re exploring on their own, but the son would like to talk to a local about Jackson City. I want you to go to dinner with him and talk to him about what it’s like living in the mountains.”
“What?” I cried. “Why?”
“Because it will make him feel more comfortable! They’re a really cute family with money to burn, and closing this sale would be huge. If their son is on board, they’ll go for it. Plus, it’s just one dinner. I’ll tell him that you’ll meet him in Jackson City and give him some insight.”
“I don’t live in Jackson City. I live in Pineville.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s all mountain living, right? Plus, he’s filthy rich. I bet he takes you somewhere really nice for dinner. His mom happened to drop several hints that he’s single and looking. You know, if he sees how cute the girls are here . . .”
Thankfully, she let that trail away.
Of course I’d do it—I’d do anything for Bethie—but that didn’t mean I liked it. Setups like this were the worst. I felt awkward and judged and like I had to be peppy and bright and show off my best side when all I wanted to do was talk books. Or better yet, text the person instead and hole up at homewithsaid books.
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
Relief melted her features. “Thank you,” she whisper-cried after a quick peek at Shane, who I guessed had fallen asleep. “I’ll give you a bonus based on the final price. That should help with that whole-buying-a-new-car predicament you’re in. It’s a sixteen million dollar house.”
“Done!” I cried.
“All right. I’ll check with them, then email you the details.”
After a few more parting coos at Shane, we ended the call. I leaned back against the wall with a heavy sigh. Maybe this unexpected date would work to my advantage in several ways. Besides, wasn’t this aclassicromance novel plot twist?
Go on a date with someone else to test the actual love interest?
Nah, JJ wouldn’t care.
But while out there, I would refine some romantic theories. Resume my progress on proving in a data-driven way that romance existed. My wobbling certainty could benefit from a boost. If nothing else, the date would give me a control sample to record.
