Page 42 of The Disasters of Dating (Love Connections #6)

POPPY

Today, it might seem like everyone in your life is trying to pick a fight with you.

Their “me first” attitude may seem like they are stirring up a pot of trouble.

But don’t automatically assume the other person is wrong.

Valuable lessons can be learned in every conflict.

Take each disagreement as an opportunity to learn something about yourself.

Lunch with my mom, Brody, and Sadie was beyond awkward. But it ended well enough. Not well in that my mom isn’t going to stop dating Adam, but well in that we got everything out into the open. And somehow I am now co-chair of a food drive? I’m not entirely sure how that happened. But whatever.

My mom is going to invite Adam over for dinner a week from Saturday.

He just left to go out of town on business—rather convenient, I’d say.

Although maybe it explains the reason for their couch time—I give a full body shudder just thinking about it.

That sight is going to haunt my dreams for months to come.

So now I need to arrange to get work off—which is easier said than done.

It’s doubtful Sheila will accommodate me.

She never does anything for me that takes effort on her end.

But maybe Kendra will? I’ll tell her Keaton will be there.

She seems really invested in my relationship with him. Why? I have no idea.

And Kendra isn’t the only one invested. My mom said I should invite ‘that nice young man’ she met the other night (which earned me raised brows from both Sadie and Brody).

I told her that Keaton would be back in New Hampshire.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish he could be there.

Even if it means I must answer questions from my brother and sister.

I think it will be easier to handle everything with Keaton beside me.

He understands me—or at least tries to—better than anyone else.

Except for maybe Lincoln. But that is only because I’ve told Lincoln more. He’s less risky.

I pull open my phone and text Keaton before I lose my nerve.

Hey, you wouldn’t be able to fly in a day early next week, would you? So, like, Saturday early afternoon, instead of Sunday?

I’m talking about September 6th. Not in, like, four days…

I stare at the phone and then hurriedly delete the texts. He doesn’t need to deal with my crazy family. We are not far enough in the relationship for him to be my emotional support animal.

Lincoln

I thought we already established that meeting in person breaks rule No. 1.

Doh! Wrong person!

Lincoln

Now I’m feeling offended.

You shouldn’t. I deleted it.

Lincoln

Because you realized I was the wrong person?

No, before that, actually, because I realized it may not be a good idea.

Lincoln

Were you texting black-eye guy?

What if I was?

I probably shouldn’t tell Lincoln that I’ve been thinking about Keaton and his kiss all night and most of the day. I don’t care that we’re only friends and have never met; it’s not cool to talk about kissing one guy to another guy.

Lincoln

I can’t say I approve. I’m still not convinced he’s good enough for you. But it’s not any of my business now, is it?

I sense tone there. But you’re right. It probably isn’t your business. But I do appreciate that you’re looking out for me. Although, can you be certain that it’s not me who’s not good enough for him?

Lincoln

Not possible.

I smile. How could I ever have thought that Lincoln was phishing me? He’s too sweet to be evil.

Lincoln

Believe it or not, I do feel a bit of protectiveness toward you. I mean, I’ve already saved you from a phishing scam.

ROFL. YOU were the phishing scam.

Lincoln

But was I really? I think we’ve established that I’m safe.

Then what did you save me from?

Lincoln

…

Lincoln

A spelling error?

I giggle. Yes…giggle.

It’s weird, though, because I feel like I understand what he’s saying.

It’s like my thoughts are manifesting themselves right now.

I can tell him things that I don’t tell other people.

It’s not because we have this long-standing relationship.

I mean, we haven’t even been texting for a month.

Maybe it’s because there is still a bit of anonymity between us.

Or maybe it’s because I can’t see any judgment on his face.

Whatever the reason, he’s easier for me to open up to.

I wish I felt this way with Keaton. Maybe then I could talk to him about the way I’m feeling.

I get it. I feel the same way about you.

Lincoln

What are you protecting me from?

Boredom.

Lincoln

I can’t argue with you there.

Thanks for protecting me from…what was it you’re protecting me from again?

Lincoln

Black-eye guy.

Oh, that’s right. Well, you don’t need to worry. He’s trustworthy.

Lincoln

Is he, tho???

I’m not debating this with you anymore.

Lincoln

I just want my objections registered with the court.

So registered… What are you doing?

Lincoln

Working. You?

Cleaning out my backpack before the new semester starts.

Lincoln

I thought you’d be at work. Aren’t you always at work?

Usually. But I took some time off before school starts. Besides, my shifts don’t start until 3.

Lincoln

Are you a graveyard shift or something? What kind of ‘sundry’ shop stays open until midnight?

We cater to vampires, werewolves, and other nocturnal creatures.

Lincoln

Am I to assume that response was because my question violated rule No.1?

Lincoln

Point taken.

Have a good rest of your day.

Lincoln

You, too.

I sit back in my chair, crystal beads scattered all over my desk. I received three new orders yesterday. I want to get them done before I’m back working my full schedule and school starts.

I glance back at my phone. Should I ask Keaton to fly in early so he can come to the dinner with me?

It feels very boyfriend-y. But isn’t he kind of my boyfriend?

At some point last night, whether it was the cute nickname or the kiss (The thorough one.

I’m not counting the others as kisses), he moved from tourist or friend or whatever categories I’ve put him in to boyfriend.

Maybe his involvement with everything that happened with my mom also slid him across the finish line.

But anyway I look at it, he’s my boyfriend.

A giddiness that I can’t quite contain shoots through my body, but there’s still an underlying unease. I can’t seem to shake it or figure it out.

I sigh. But whether Keaton comes or not, I still need the day off, and I can’t procrastinate asking Kendra like I am with asking Keaton. I pull up our company text app and pull up Kendra’s name.

Hey, Kendra. I know you’ve taken several of my shifts this week, and I so appreciate it. But is there any way you can take my shift on the 6th? There’s some family things going on and a meeting has been called. I need to be there if it’s at all possible. I’ll make it up to you.

I put my phone down because Kendra has never been known for her speedy replies. We’re required to check the chat daily, but I don’t think she does. Which is fine with me. I know to give her plenty of time, if possible. Otherwise, I just call her.

That’s why I’m surprised when I look over and see a new notification. But when I open my phone, I see it’s from Keaton, not Kendra. Not that I’m disappointed. I’ll always take Keaton over Kendra.

Keaton

Hey, you busy tonight?

Not really. Just the usual stuff.

Keaton

What is the usual stuff?

Cleaning my bathroom.

Keaton

So… fun stuff.

Totally.

Keaton

You want an excuse not to clean your bathroom?

ALWAYS!!!

Keaton

I’m looking for an apartment and wondered if you wanted to come look with me?

He’s looking for an apartment? Does that mean he’s moving here full-time? My heartbeat picks up while my stomach clenches. What is wrong with me?

Sure. Where are you looking?

Keaton

South Jordan/Herriman area.

Why isn’t he looking closer to his work? He’s not choosing those areas because of me, right?

Nice areas. What time?

Keaton

I’ll pick you up at 4:30? Maybe we can do dinner after?

Sounds great. See you then.

I look at my watch and see that he’ll be here in only two hours.

I guess I should clean this stuff up and work on it later.

Keaton leaves tomorrow night, so I should have plenty of time over the weekend to finish these up.

I grab the special one that I made very first. It has three small stones tied together on a black cord.

I tuck it into my pocket. I’ll wait for the right moment to give it to him.

Keaton knocks on the door at 4:30 on the dot. He was sitting in his car for ten minutes before that. I can only assume he didn’t want to catch me too early because then he might have to visit with my mom. And after the last time? I can understand why he’d want to avoid that.

I open the door and can’t help the smile that spreads across my face when he sees me.

“Hey,” I say.

He’s wearing a suit, and it takes my breath away for a moment. He looks amazing in jeans and a golf shirt. He also looks quite fabulous in shorts and a t-shirt. But the suit is a whole different kind of attractive. He looks…what? Powerful? Important? Successful? Maybe all three rolled into one.

I look down at my Hammer pants and flowy shirt. “Should I change? I didn’t realize this was a suit and tie kind of thing.”

He leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek. He’s smiling at me when he pulls back. “No, you look great.” He looks down at his suit. “I was in a meeting until it was time to leave. I didn’t have time to change. I hope you’re okay with this.”

I bite the side of my cheek as I give him another once-over. I take my time doing it. Hopefully, he’ll think I’m doing it as a joke, not just so I can fully appreciate what is standing before me.

I take a slow, measured breath. “I’m good with the suit if you are.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Are you ready to go then?”

I reach over and grab my purse off the entry table. “Yep.”