Page 96 of Love Arranged

“Being rude and ignoring my company.”

I exhale, relieved he didn’t see her latest text. “Now that I have a date planned tomorrow, I should get back to work before I fall behind.”

“Can’t you take a break?”

I motion toward the stack of earnings reports I have to review from a dentist who would like to sell her office in town and retire. “Only if you want me to cancel.”

“In that case, stop being lazy and get to it! My soulmate waits for no one.”

Manny decided to park his car at my house so I could drive us both to the Historic District, where Lily and Jane are meeting us at a new speakeasy bar. They’re making a big deal out of celebrating the end of strawberry season with special drinks and a live band who also played last weekend at the festival.

The drive is a short one, especially when Manny spent the entirety of it going over answers to possible questions Jane might ask him. I’ve never seen him this nervous before, and I have no idea how to calm his fraying nerves.

“How do I look?” Manny asks as I park in a lot not too far from the bar.

I have a hard time responding to his question because his short-sleeve, button-down shirt is one I’d never be caught wearing. The tiny strawberry pattern might be on-brand with the rest of the town’s favorite fruit, but that doesn’t make it a fashionable choice, so I stick with a basic “You look fine.”

He gapes at me. “Fine? Might as well tell me to go change while you’re at it.”

I squint at the busy pattern. “I mean, I wouldn’t be against it.”

His eyes turn to slits. “Can we swap?”

“Swap what?”

“Shirts.” He motions toward my white button-down with the sleeves rolled up.

I shut my car off to end the conversation. “No.”

He holds his hands up like he’s praying. “Please, Lorenzo? You have a girlfriend already, so it’s not like you need to impress anyone, but me…”

He stares at his shirt like he can’t believe he ever thought it was a good idea.

“I can’t go in there and embarrass myself.”

“It’s notthatbad.”

He pops open the mirror and checks himself out. “God. Why did I ever let my mom talk me into wearing this?”

“A little word of advice? Hold off on admitting your mom still helps pick out your clothes.”

“How else can I explain this fashion choice?”

“Town spirit?”

He claps his hands together. “Yes! Town spirit! Which is whyyouhave to wear it as the man who’s running for mayor.”

I choke on a laugh. “Good try, but no.”

“Okay. Forget about town spirit. Do it because I’m your best friend and you don’t want to see me blow my chance with one of the prettiest girls around. Because I don’t want to be single anymore, Lorenzo. It’s lonely as hell, and I’m ready for the next phase in my life. I’vebeenready for a while, but dating here is hard.”

I stare at him without blinking. “You’re serious.”

“Of course I’m serious, but it’s not like you’d understand since you have Lily.”

Except you don’t have her, do you?

“Maybe we could head back to my house so I can change?” He checks his watch and curses. “No. Being late is even worse.” His groan fills the car.