Page 74 of Accidental Blind Date

I look at Dax who is just staring. At me. My eyes widen and he smiles then realizes what planet he’s on and what the behavior needs to look like.

“Right. Yes. Sorry what?” he asks and I have to stop myself from laughing.

Kai blinks. “Have you heard anything I said?”

“No I uh, what’s up?” He clears his throat and I look away so Kai doesn’t see the smile on my face.

“Jesus Christ dude. Alright. You know what? I think you are spending too much time here and not enough time looking at the bigger picture. I swear to god, are you getting laid? I know you said you are but like…you spend half your time in this little time capsule and the other half playing dad and–”

“I’m not…playing. Dad. And like I said…I’m getting laid. You very much don’t need to worry about that.”

My mouth actually pops open and I can’t help but stare. When I glance over at Summer and Tom, their faces make it clear that mum is the word.

“Are you sure, Dax?” my brother goes on. “Because I can easily hook you up with–”

“I’m really good. So good. Better than ever actually.”

Kai studies him with slanted eyes and Dax’s face does not waver. Finally, he loses the staring battle. “Alright well. I’m going to go. Because I have a date, actually. Girl from that new dating app. Really hoping it’s not all angle shots if you know what I mean. But let’s talk soon. Because this maze here,” he points at the entirety of my store, “Is…it’s gotta go. I think you agree.”

Kai walks out and Dax just looks at me.

“Your brother is kind of a twat,” Summer says. “Respectfully.”

“No apology needed,” I say, going behind the register to grab my water. Dax walks over and rests his arms on the counter, staring at me with an easy smile.

“She’s not wrong. He’s a dick.”

“And you’re his friend,” I point out.

“It’s…complicated. But for what it’s worth, I like your cash wrap. I think it’s got character, it’s the center point and the woodwork really is beautiful.”

I offer a smile though I don’t really trust him right now. “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m not,” he holds up his hands. “I am being genuine. Tom. Summer. Back me up here. This desk is a masterpiece is it not?”

“I mean it’s much better than the factory produced crap in all those big box,” Summer starts but then stops herself. “Actually this feels like a lose-lose conversation.”

“I didn’t pick a lot of the interior for Hemingway. I hired people for that. But I mean it. I like the way things are.”

“My brother does not,” I state. “And you signed a contract. And he is still the actual owner so–”

“Anyone can be bought out of anything,” he says. “I think we need to reconsider what Hemingway owning the store really looks like.”

Dax’s phone dings and I can tell by the sound of the ringtone that it’s Delilah. He walks towards the back of the store to take the call and I can’t stop smiling. Meanwhile, Summer and Tom are watching me.

“I’m sorry,” Summer says. “But your life is like something out of a romance novel.”

“What?” I laugh, taking a sip of my water.

“She’s not wrong,” Tom, who stays very neutral on all things, chimes in. “You have major main character energy.”

“You guys are crazy,” I shake my head. The door chimes and I set the bottle back under the counter. Footsteps crossthe floor and stop in front of the register. I stand up and my breath catches in my throat, my smiling slipping from my face immediately.

“Libby.”

Shane’s eyes lock on mine, a tight smile on his thin face.

“Hey. What are you doing here?” I stutter.