"The dresses alone—-"
"Don't worry about it.” I waved off her protests. “Can't show up to Hudson's wedding in jeans."
Simone handed me the receipt and the bags. "You two are going to have such a beautiful weekend! A Valentine's Day wedding—-how romantic!"
"Thanks," I said.
Outside, she climbed into my truck, the garment bags between us.
We were halfway back before she spoke.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For letting me pick what I wanted."
"Of course."
She was quiet for a moment, looking out the window.
"You looked good back there," I said. "All dolled up."
She turned to look at me, something unreadable in her expression. "Thanks."
I pulled up in front of Bitter Beans. Dixie grabbed her purse, then paused.
"Three o'clock Friday," I confirmed. "Where should I pick you up?"
She hesitated. "The Hungry Heifer. You know it?"
"The diner on Main?"
"That's where I work. Day shift." She said it matter-of-factly. "I'll be done by three."
"I'll be there."
"Uh-huh." Her eyes narrowed, but she was smiling. "See you Friday, cowboy."
She grabbed the garment bags and headed toward her Civic without looking back.
I sat there grinning like an idiot. Three days of pretending to date a woman who already saw right through me.
And for the first time in weeks, I was actually looking forward to my brother’s wedding.
