Page 7 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

She gives me her death glare and continues. “The guy is overly nice, like, to where I think he would cry forever if I turned him down. But I also don’t want to see him everywhere I go.”

“Is this the reason you’ve started doing the kick-boxing classes?” Not that Dani isn’t athletic, she is naturally talented at most things, but she’s never been the gym rat type.

“I figured it would be a good way to protect myself more than stabbing an attacker with my keys or carrying pepper spray.”

“Anytime you need me, I’ll be there. Just let me know how I can help.”

“Thanks,” she says, pulling the saucepan off the burner and turning off the heat. “So, you’ve broken the ice with Rachelle. What are you going to do?”

I open the cupboard and grab a couple plates. “You won’t let that go, will you?” She just flicks water at me as she fills our cups with water.

I set the plates out on the table and walk back for the water and utensils. “I’m not sure yet. I mean, I was hoping to have a few more things figured out before I saw her for the first time.”

Dani plates the pasta and the sauce, handing me a plate and then doing the same for herself. She brings over a bowl of salad, placing it in the center of the table. The meal isn’t extravagant, but it’s better than I would’ve made on my own.

We sit down and get settled, and Dani passes a napkin to me from the bin at the edge of the table. “Thanks for dinner, Dani. Sorry, I know it’s my turn to cook.”

She shrugs, using tongs to get a bunch of salad to her plate. “I’m just grateful I don’t have to pay the full rent on this place for a few months. It’s not like my part-time job at the student center allows me to roll in the dolla’ bills.” She lifts her hands and rubs her thumb against her fingers.

“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that. How’s that college education going?” I laugh and dodge to the left as she throws her paper napkin. It goes a foot before it opens and covers my plate.

“I’ll be happy when this semester is over. Only another month and I’ll be a graduate.”

“And what then?”

Dani sighs. “I don’t know. I’m striking out on the job search. After dozens of applications and interviews, I’m still unemployed.”

“Give it some time. You’ll find something that will be right for you.”

She leans forward, giving me a look that signals an interrogation is coming. That’s the problem with being the only boy in the family.

“And you? Is real estate what you want to be doing for the rest of your life?”

I nod, grinning. “Yes. I didn’t think so at first, that I was just doing it to get away from Boston and my train-wreck of a life here. But it’s like a giant treasure hunt, and every client has a different treasure. And when you find something that works for them, it’s the ultimate high.”

“That’s good. I’m glad you found something that makes you happy.” We eat in silence for a few moments before Dani grins at me. “What’s the plan, Sir Screwup?”

I stuff a large forkful of pasta into my mouth, hoping it will give me enough time to figure out how to answer that question. She’s asking about Rachelle, like a hound to a blood trail.

I reflect on seeing Rachelle earlier, looking more beautiful than I remember, which is kind of amazing in itself. And the fact that she was paintballing is something I find extra intriguing.

Rachelle had never been into extreme anything. She is a good volleyball player, but that is about as far as it goes for her athletics. She is more of the relaxed type. But that was a year ago, when we’d actually been together and I hadn’t screwed up both our lives with self-doubt.

If there is a way to time travel, I’ll give everything I have to go back to that moment and change it all.

“Landon, stop stalling. Do you have a plan to get her back? Yes or no?”

“Yes.” Relief and doubt crash within me. “I mean, no. But I need one.” I take another bite of the pasta, trying to sort through the tangled web of feelings that creeps up whenever I think of Rachelle.

Dani leans forward, practically bouncing in her chair. “Yes, I love this. Okay, how can I help?”

I smile at her, shaking my head. “Wow, someone’s a little anxious here.”

“Please, she was one of my really good friends before you went and ruined everything. I’ll do whatever I can so you can get her back.”

I nod, leaning back in my chair. “Okay, let me think it through and I’ll let you know.”

“You’ve got forty-eight hours before I do things my way.”

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