Oh. Shit. Well, that’s a little embarrassing. Do I watch the over-the-top reality dating show as a guilty pleasure? Yes. Do I advertise that? N—hang on.
Did you just RECOGNIZE a Miss Matched reference?
CHAPTER 32
GEORGE
I swingthe door to the general store open and am immediately greeted by warmth and cinnamon, but I’m still buried in my phone.
George
You got me. Don’t spread it around, but I’m a total Matchhead.
There’s a slight delay, just long enough for me to start to panic I shouldn’t have admitted that. He probably saw a promo for the show once while he was watching something more worthy. Like the news or some kind of sportsball or literally any subpar sitcom running on the same network.
Owen
I, too, am a Matchhead. I assume we have a secrecy pact?
I grin at my phone.
Oh, this needs to go to the grave.
Agreed. But now that I know, I have to ask, Team McAbs or Team McBooty?
I let out a laugh at the mention of two of last season’s fan favorites.
“Something funny, George?”
I look up to see Allie leaning against the counter. Carol’s there too, and Ruth is nearby at the till. All three of them are looking at me.
I feel my face heat.
“No, no.” I clear my throat. “Good morning, ladies. Merry, uh, Christmas Eve, I guess.”
My phone buzzes in my hand.
Those are the official network nicknames, you know. They use them on social media and stuff. I wasn’t like—You know what, never mind.
I hastily tap out a response, very aware that the ladies are right there.
No, I know. Sorry. I just got to the store. I should probably…
Oh, yeah. You go ahead and shop. Don’t let me keep you.
I don’t really want to end our conversation. I want to keep him on the line. And what, though? Ask his advice on which brand of toothpaste to buy?
“Anything I can help you with today, George?” Ruth asks.
“Uh, no. No, I’m good.” I send Owen a quick waving hand emoji and pocket my phone. Then I grab a basket and continue on with my shopping.
Later, though, after a long day of decently productive writing, when I’m sitting in the cabin, staring at Owen’s cozy, happy Christmas tree and feeling very, very alone, I get what might be a terrible idea.
CHAPTER 33
OWEN
Dec 24 8:33 PM
