“What did you do?” I asked, tamping down my irritation and regretting not grabbing that block of cheddar cheese from the fridge when I was in the kitchen. A cheese coma was much preferred to whatever drama was about to fall on my lap.
“I didn’t do anything. I simply went to my regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment yesterday.”
Why me?
“Yes. I remember your insistence on going alone. I’m going to be regretting that now, aren’t I?”
“Come on, Summer,” he griped, throwing his hands in the air so it rained breadcrumbs. I rubbed the spot between my eyes and counted to five, waiting. “Dr. Lucas is a great guy. And since he was disappointed that you weren’t with me on Friday, I invited him to come over this morning.”
“Wait. What?” I said, glancing down at my oversized sweatshirt, yoga pants, and slipper-covered feet. One hand desperately tried to smooth down my hair, while the other pressed against my cheek, feeling it flame with embarrassment. “He’s coming here? This morning?”
“Yeah. Any minute now.” Dad chuckled nervously, popping the last bite of toast in his mouth and wiping more crumbs off his pants.
“Have you lost your mind?” I hissed, standing from the couch and throwing my half-eaten slice back on the table, missing the plate completely. I paced the living room before spinning to face Dad with one hand on my hip and a finger in his face. “Not only am I not interested, but I haven’t even brushed my teeth!”
“You look fine.”
“Fine?Fine? I need a shower, several quarts of coffee, and a vat of under-eye concealer, and then, maybe, perhaps, I’ll look fine.”
“Don’t be dramatic. I really thought you were just playing hard to get.”
I froze, dropping my head forward so the loose strands fell around my face, obscuring Dad from view. I ignored the fact that his idea of playing hard to get was me flat out telling him I wasn’t interested and instead tried to remember that he truly believed this nonsense was helping me.
“Dramatic would be stomping my foot before running upstairs and slamming the door. This—this is simply myfrustrationknowing the conversation I’m about to walk into.”
“I can talk to him.”
“I mean this in the nicest possible way, but hell no.”
“Fine. Fine. I’ll make myself scarce.” Dad turned the volume on the television higher as I rolled my eyes, standing beside him and putting my hand on his shoulder. He placed his hand on mine and squeezed, tilting his head and smiling.
“You don’t have to do that either,” I said, keeping my irritation in check as I clenched my fists to release the tension I felt. “I’ll make sure there’s no way for him to misinterpret my words.”
A sharp rap on the front door had me groaning and Dad pulling his hand away, halfway out of his chair before I motioned for him to sit. He listened—thank goodness—so I schooled my features, plastered on a fake smile, and walked through the front hall, opening the door.
Tom had one hand braced against the door frame and his designer sunglasses tucked between the buttons of his pressed, collared shirt. He just needed a blazer slung over his shoulder and one foot crossed over the other to complete the look.
“Well, good morning, Summer,” he said, the picture of arrogance.
Ididn’troll my eyes, choosing to keep the smile going and slow blink before responding.
“Hey, Tom. How are you?” I opened the screen door, but didn’t move to let him in, wanting to get this over with.
“Better now. I’m sorry I missed you Friday and was hoping we could go out this weekend.” He shifted, removing his hand from the door frame and placing it above where mine rested.
“No, thank you. I’m sorry that I wasn’t clear at the bakery.”
“What? Come on now. I know I can change your mind. We’d have a good time. See the city. Maybe make late reservations at a restaurant.”
“Tom. Really. I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested in going out.”
“What can I do to change your mind?” he cooed, straightening his posture and crossing his arms.
“Nothing, but I’d love it if you respected my decision.” I mimicked his pose, crossing my arms while keeping the door propped open with my foot, my anger spiking.
“You know what, just forget it, Summer,” he said, yanking to open the door all the way and leaning in. My eyes widened as I backed up, his overpowering musk wafting into me like a tidal wave. “It’s your loss.”
“I’ll take my chances, thanks.”
