Page 61 of Quintessentially

Justin’s gaze meets mine as he grins. “Mrs. Pollard is right.” He lifts his right hand. “I promise not to do it again.”

Molly nods as if she’s just settled World War III and sets off looking for her grandfather.

“Unless he deserves it,” Justin adds once Molly’s out of earshot.

“Well,” Mom says, “let’s all get ready for dinner. Our guest will be here soon.”

When Justin turns toward the steps without a word, I shake my head. “Justin knew that you invited Dax?”

Mom nods.

“Why not tell me?”

“It was a surprise.”

That’s what Dax said.

With the realization that nothing I can say or do will stop this dinner, I ask, “Do you need help with dinner?”

“Nope. The lasagna is in the oven, bread and oil are ready, and I’m about done with the salad.”

“I can set the table.”

“Already done,” she says.

Looking at the kitchen table, my stomach sinks. “Dining room?” We rarely use the dining room.

“Dining room.”

With a shake of my head, I go to find Molly and Dad.

Molly is sitting with her grandpa watchingJeopardyandtrying to guess answers.

Upstairs, I’m changing from my work clothes and eyeing the dresses in my closet. Shaking my head, I decide on jean capris and a casual shirt. This isn’t a date, I tell myself, when my phone rings.Chloeis on the screen.

“Hi,” I answer.

“Two days of togetherness. Give me all the details. Every one of them even if they make me blush.”

“There weren’t any blushing moments.” My lips curl into a grin. “I mean other than one kiss. But it was only one.”

This is another time I have to pull the phone away as my best friend screams. Once she’s done, I say, “He’s leaving tomorrow for Chicago.”

“I’m sorry, Kandi.”

I shrug as I sit and lie back on my bed. “He has a life there. I know that.”

“Yeah, but Mick told me that Dax is buying Ruth’s house. That means he’ll be back.”

“Unless he isn’t.”

“Stop thinking that way,” Chloe says. “He wants to be here for Molly.”

I nod. “And I like that. I guess it would have been nice if he wanted to be here for me.”

“Come on, superwoman, one day at a time.”

“He’s on his way here. Mom invited him to dinner—in the dining room.”

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