Page 39 of The Backup Groom

Was this another case of my crush-radar being broken?

“Your Caramel Spockiato always has the shape of a heart etched in the foam, unless Dean is preparing it,” Stella continued. “Mine always has the pointy Vulcan ear. And Scotty is nervous and clumsy around you. Surely, you noticed that.”

I shook my head, disputing what she said. “Not really.”

“Well, anyway, it’s not a coincidence. And it doesn’t really matter, since you’re getting married after you find someone. You’d better get going or you’ll be late for your fake date.”

I took the elevator to the parking garage to stick the box and posters in the trunk of my car, then headed next door to Bean me Up, Scotty. I would run the errand to the recreation center after my date, but would need to walk back to get my car. It was worth it, to avoid Maggoty Mercedes.

Danny was standing outside of Bean Me Up, Scotty waiting with a smile on his face. “Hey, stranger. Do we need some public display of affection to make this realistic? Maybe a kiss or two?” He gave me a wink.

“Behave,” I teased, giving him a hug. “And thank YOU for doing this.”

“I was kidding, but anything for you,” he said. “Stella said we need to talk for a minute before going inside. I have an idea I wanted to run by you.”

“Of course,” I said.

“I know it’s a long shot, but what if I legally changed my name to Ryan Scott. I could have surgery to enhance my face, so I looked more like Henry Cavill or Chris Hemsworth, instead of your dad. Would you marry me then?”

“Thank you for that very interesting proposal, if that’s what it was.” I snickered. “I have a feeling it would take too long for the name-changing process to go through, and your face is perfect the way it is. It’s just not perfect for me. Don’t change the real you or your destiny. You are going to meet someone wonderful when the time is right. She’s going to love you completely for who you are. You won’t have to change a single thing.”

“I had a feeling you’d say something sweet like that, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.” Danny glanced over my shoulder. “And Stella was right, there is definitely someone watching us.” He wiggled his eyebrows and tipped his head toward the road.

I dropped my keys behind me, picking them up and nonchalantly glancing across the street. Sure enough, there was a man sitting in a red Toyota Tundra pickup truck with the driver’s side window open, watching us. He quickly raised his window, started his truck, and took off down the street.

I couldn’t believe there was a private detective spying on me.

It was just like in the movies.

I motioned to the building. “I think we can go inside now.”

Danny opened the door and gestured for me to enter. “After you.”

“Thank you,” I said, walking past him and toward the line. I waved to Scotty and Dean when they looked over. They both waved back.

“Where’s Stella?” Dean asked.

“She couldn’t make it, but she told me to tell you hello.”

“Tell her the same,” he said.

I couldn’t help thinking about what Stella said.

Scotty has a crush on you.

Did he really?

I still think he was just being the nice guy that he is.

I peeked over at him as he glanced at me.

Why would she stick that in my head when I was getting married?

“You’re really pushing this free coffee thing, coming in twice a day now,” Scotty kidded.

I gave him a mischievous grin. “To tell you the truth, I was actually thinking of coming in once an hour. I hope you don’t have a problem with that.”

“I dare you,” he said. “Hey, Danny. The usual, Caramel Spockiato?”