Page 26 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

The server brings a couple baskets of bread and lays them on the table. Dani grabs a slice and takes a big bite, grinning at me.

I turn my attention back to Rachelle, wishing I could hear what she’s talking about with Isabella. Roman chats with my boss, Gordon, and I cringe when I see the server coming our way, Savannah trailing him.

Dropping my head to the table, this night can’t get any worse.

“Oh, this is perfect! I can’t believe I get to sit by Landon!” she screeches. When I peek up for a second, I see Rachelle’s eyes on me, her expression oddly cool. Do I even have a chance with her?

“Savannah,” I say through clenched teeth, “I thought you were supposed to be taking over a couple of my appointments this week.” Clara gave her at least three of my new client meetings, which is probably too many for her to handle anyway.

She leans over and touches her hand to my upper arm, squeezing a bit. “Oh, my mother had an emergency with a fundraiser she’s hosting next week and couldn’t come. So, I asked Ron to take over those appointments and all the others I had for the week.”

She’s beaming at me and the only thing I can say is, “How did you get Ron to agree to that?”

He’s the one on my team who’s the hardest to get through to in any capacity. Then again, I remember his grin as I suggested he take her home from paintball.

“Like it’s hard?” she says, and leans over to kiss her father on the cheek. “Hi Daddy.”

“Hi bunny. I didn’t think you’d make it in time.”

“Detonation. That’s what it takes.”

Dani snorts at my side, and I see a flicker of amusement on Rachelle’s face. Maybe she hasn’t changed that much.

“You mean, determination, Vannah.” Her dad’s cheeks are slightly pink. I could get used to seeing him this uncomfortable. It’s good to know something rattles him since he seems like a viper when it comes to real estate. In a good way, like he sneaks in and helps couples know exactly what they want. Yeah, I need to work on that comparison a bit more.

Pretty much I want to be like him when I grow up.

Our orders come a few minutes later, and I’m grateful because I’ve only had darts thrown at me from Rachelle while trying to fend off Savannah as she constantly hugs my arm.

“Well, if this isn’t awkward,” Dani says under her breath.

“I didn’t cause it,” I say, the frustration boiling over.

Dani is mid-sip of her Coke at this point and ends up spraying it everywhere. All eyes around the table turn to us.

“Sorry, everyone,” Dani says, taking a napkin and wiping at the spots on the vase that is the centerpiece for the evening. “I’m not very good at holding in my laughter.”

Everyone deadpans. Like an entire table trying to figure out what might’ve been so funny to spray sticky liquid beverage all over.

“Sorry, uh,” I say, trying to get an excuse to come to mind. “She’s just thinking of something dumb I did.”

I can’t help but look at Rachelle when I say this and she’s staring right back at me. If only I knew what she’s thinking.

“Well, that makes you human, right?” Roman says, chuckling.

We go back to our meals and then dessert, which makes me wonder why I didn’t bring more sweat pant combos in my luggage. I can’t turn down the sugary treats and my waistband won’t hold out forever.

Rachelle wipes off around her mouth and stands up. “Well, thank you for allowing me to be here for this meal. I hope you have a great vacation. I need to check on my cousin.”

Did she bring Tiffany? At least I know she’s not all alone, which could be good and bad for me in trying to win her back. Tiffany might be persuaded to join my side. And she’s the only cousin of Rachelle I’ve met.

“Rachelle, it was so nice to meet you. I would love for you to join us anytime.” Isabella nods to her and Roman gives a wave.

Rachelle hesitates, and I catch a half-glance in my direction, as if she doesn’t want me to know what her plans are. “That would be great. I’ll have to look for you tomorrow.”

“Sleep well.” Isabella grins at her and Rachelle leaves, taking yet another piece of my heart with her.

“I need to use the ladies’ room,” Savannah announces and takes off, allowing me some breathing room. Finally. Why couldn’t she have done that sooner?

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