Page 29 of The Sweet Part
“Then I’ll go with you toHot Findsto meet him. That’s neutral ground.”
I turn to Dad with a beseeching look.
He shrugs. “It’s better than dinner, isn’t it?”
I throw my hands in the air. “This is insane. We’re just friends. I probably won’t even see him again after we visit his shop.”
“I’ll pop in like I’m interested in a car,” Mom says. “You can introduce me, and I’ll pop out. I’m a fan of the show too.”
“You are not.”
She lifts her chin. “I could be after visiting the set. Much more interesting to see cars in real life than on TV.” She turns to Dad. “Right?”
“Sure.”
Mom squeezes my arm. “Sophie’s crazy about him. Once I meet him, I’ll know right away if he’s a good fish or one to throw away.”
I frown. One week and Sophie’s crazy about him. “I don’t want her to get attached. Maybe I should cancel our visit to his shop.”
“Don’t cancel,” Dad says. “Sophie’s excited to see the cars. Hell, I wouldn’t mind checking out the classic cars myself.”
“You can’t both show up,” I say in exasperation.
“What? I’m a fan,” Dad says.
Mom smiles at him and turns to me. “Just I’ll go. Then it won’t be embarrassing.”
Right. Not embarrassing at all. But at least it’s not a family dinner. Dad’s laid-back, but he can still pull a serious cop demeanor that’s pretty intense. He was the chief of police here in Clover Park for years.
I cave. “Fine. As long as you understand it’s a friend thing.”
She pats my arm. “Of course, sweetheart.”
Mom gathers her purse and coat. Having achieved her goal, she’s leaving before I can change my mind. Dad notices she’s dressed and ready to go, so he puts his coat on too.
“Bye.” I hug Mom and then Dad.
They say bye to Sophie, and she runs over, hugs them, and runs back to her puzzle.
Mom steps out the door first and turns back a moment later, holding a Something’s Brewing Café bakery bag. She hands it to me. “There’s a note on the receipt.”
Did Mason bring me baked goods? I meanus. That’s so thoughtful. I turn the bag around to read the note: Sorry! Your nosy neighbors, M and H
I open the bag and find two chocolate-frosted donuts. That was nice. Mackenzie and Harper were just trying to warn me about Mason’s mom. I won’t be warning him about my mom. I don’t want to get into why she wants to meet him. Anyway, I find it hard to believe that Mason’s mom would show up here, even if she is fierce.
Dad joins Mom, car keys in hand.
Mom looks at me curiously. “What are your neighbors sorry about?”
“Don’t ask.”
“I just did.”
Dad puts his arm around Mom. “Let her have at least one secret from her parents.” He guides her away, and she cranes her neck to look at me again.
I wave. “Later! Love you!”
“Love you too, May Bear.”
