Oops. “Um, well, Clay told me.”
“Sounds like there’s little he didn’t tell you. And little John didn’t tell him.” I thought she’d be more suspicious, but she just muttered something about the way we Harwoods could talk the ear off a cornstalk and went back to putting her house in order while her hands were free.
I did stay for dinner, but left right after helping bathe the kids. Melissa and Connor needed time to themselves whenever they could get it. As it was, I caught them sharing secret looks as they raced to put the kids to bed. Bedroom eyes. Anticipation. I absolutely did not need or want them to have to spell out why it was time for me to go.
Jenny was still at a baby shower for her cousin, so I turned on the TV when I got home and flipped through the channels while I painted my nails, needing the noise but not really interested in watching anything.
When my phone rang with a strange number, I thought of what Melissa had said, but there was no way she’d already called the guy and he’d be calling me.
“Lauren Harwood?”
“That’s me.” Salesman for sure. He had ten seconds before I hung up on him, and only because it was an actual person and not some dumb recording.
“This is Noble Tuttle. Your sister-in-law told me to call you and set up a blind date. Is that still something you’d like to do?” He was so matter-of-fact about it. So business-like. So not my type. But maybe I was being a little harsh since I’d already planned on not liking him.
“Um, sure.”
“I was thinking we could meet for dinner. I know a great Italian restaurant that’s not too loud. Melissa said you were interested in this being a double date and you knew a couple you could ask. Would this Friday work?”
“It should. I’ll ask them. Can I get back to you tomorrow?”
“Yes. What time should I expect your call?”
Expect my call?“How about seven?”
“Seven p.m.?”
“Yes.” I would not be calling him first thing in the morning.
“Seven p.m. is fine. Good night.”
“Good night.” I hung up and laughed. I’d found the one for me. Noble Tuttle. The highly efficient, non-flirtatious man who scheduled a planning meeting to discuss our date. I guess I should get cracking on the double part of it, which meant texting Clay. I went to the kitchen and got a glass of ice water first because there was no reason to be so eager about texting Clay. Okay, I was a little eager. But only because there would be nothing businesslike or polite about our conversation. And that filled me with a strange joy I couldn’t explain.
Lauren: You are going to make my dad so happy.
Clay: Spill it, Harwood.
Lauren: We’re going on a double date. Which means get a date for Friday.
Clay: You need another favor? I’m sorry. Your tab is full. I expect payment first.
Lauren: This is my dad’s favor, spy boy. Remember? He needs a thumbs up or thumbs down.
Clay: Are you sure about this?
Lauren: I’m living my #bestlife. Join me in blind date awkwardness.
Clay: Payment, Harwood. I accept cookies.
Lauren: So you keep saying. You must have a lot of faith in my baking skills.
Clay: True. I should monitor you. Come over tomorrow night at seven and make them in my kitchen.
Demanding little buzzard. Who did he think he was?
Lauren: I’m busy then.
Clay: Doing what?
