Page 58 of The Matchmaker Club

“Achy Breaky Heart.”

Crap.

“Is this from who I think it is?”

“Yes.”

My grandmother took off her reading glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Well, then it looks like we’re in a bit of a pickle because any one of us replying would be a conflict of interest.” She looked over at Lucas. “Unless you’d like to take this on?”

His lips parted, and he glanced over at me before pouring more wine into his glass. “I’d better not.”

My grandmother looked over at Charlie next.

He shook his head. “You know how I feel about the boy when it comes to Taylor. He doesn’t deserve her.”

I stuck out my hand. “I’ll write Austin back.”

She handed me the letter. “Think long and hard before you plant that reply. You won’t be able to take it back.”

I folded the letter and tucked it into my pocket without reading it.

My grandmother bit into a cracker. “Did you want to talk about that other letter you’re having trouble with?”

“Um, no. I still want to do this one myself.”

My grandmother slapped her hands on the table. “Unless there’s nothing else, I’d say the meeting is adjourned.” She looked around the table for any objections. “It’s a beautiful night, let’s take this party to the patio.”

“You’ll have to excuse me.” Lucas looked down at his letter. “I’m going to head in for the night.”

Everybody smiled at him and understood what it was he really wanted to do. I’d been so excited to read my calling letter too.

* * *

After one more glass of wine, I went upstairs to my room. I wasn’t tired, but I wanted to know how Lucas was. I opted to text him just in case he didn’t want the company right now.

T: Did you read your letter yet?

I chewed my bottom lip and waited for his reply.

L: No.

T: Why not?

Texting bubbles came up, stopped for a bit, and started again like he kept erasing what he had typed.

L: I’m not ready yet.

T: That’s okay. Read it when you’re ready… but don’t wait too long to reply. Don’t want anyone to feel forgotten.

L: I won’t.

T: What did you think of your first meeting?

L: If I come to another, I insist on buying the wine.

I sent him a laughing emoji.

L: It’s lol