Page 66 of The Matchmaker Club

“It’s fine.”

“Can we get a makeup non-date?”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why?”

“I don’t see what purpose it serves. We’re not getting back together.” I looked through the window where Austin’s father kept an eye on the both of us. “Look at your father. And I’m pretty sure your mom would be pulling you inside by your ear if she knew you were talking to me.”

He kicked at the gravel with his boot. “Come on, it ain’t that bad.”

“Oh really? Then why didn’t you invite me to your family cookout?”

He stood up straight, looking into my eyes. “You wanted to go to that?”

I swallowed. “No.”

“See? I’m trying to impress you. I doubt taking you to my mother’s boring cookout is the best place to start.”

I grabbed the door handle of the truck, and he moved out of the way. “Well, you can stop trying to impress me. It isn’t going to work.”

I hopped into the truck and slammed the door.

“Alright, then come to my parent’s house for dinner Saturday night.”

“Funny.”

“I’m serious. You’ll be my guest.”

My mouth hung open as I looked him in the eyes. He was dead serious. I turned away. “I can’t. I already have plans this Saturday.”

He flung up his arms. “Then the next night or the night after that.”

I didn’t answer.

“I don’t care what my parents or this town think anymore.” He leaned his arm against the window. “I’m not asking you to marry me, or even be my girl. Just… let’s get to know each other again as friends and go from there. What’s the harm in that?”

“Okay.” The words spilled out before I could stop them.

He grinned. “Yeah?”

I let out a sigh. “We’re having a dinner party on Saturday. You’re welcome to come.”

“What time?”

“Around six.”

He slapped the truck door. “I’ll be there.”

Lainey came out and tossed the bags in the back of her truck.

Austin nodded to her. “Have a good afternoon, Miss Reed.”

“You too.”

My aunt got into the truck and adjusted the rearview mirror. “Are you and Austin talking now?”

“It seems that way. He’s coming to our dinner party.”