Page 104 of The Disasters of Dating
Lunch with my mom,Brody, and Sadie was beyond awkward. But it ended well enough. Not well in that my mom isn’t going to stop dating Adam, but well in that we got everything out into the open. And somehow I am now co-chair of a food drive? I’m not entirely sure how that happened. But whatever.
My mom is going to invite Adam over for dinner a week from Saturday. He just left to go out of town on business—rather convenient, I’d say. Although maybe it explains the reason for their couch time—I give a full body shudder just thinking about it. That sight is going to haunt my dreams for months to come.
So now I need to arrange to get work off—which is easier said than done. It’s doubtful Sheila will accommodate me. She never does anything for me that takes effort on her end. But maybe Kendra will? I’ll tell her Keaton will be there. She seems really invested in my relationship with him. Why? I have no idea.
And Kendra isn’t the only one invested. My mom said I should invite ‘that nice young man’ she met the other night (which earned meraised brows from both Sadie and Brody). I told her that Keaton would be back in New Hampshire. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish he could be there. Even if it means I must answer questions from my brother and sister. I think it will be easier to handle everything with Keaton beside me. He understands me—or at least tries to—better than anyone else. Except for maybe Lincoln. But that is only because I’ve told Lincoln more. He’s less risky.
I pull open my phone and text Keaton before I lose my nerve.
Hey, you wouldn’t be able to fly in a day early next week, would you? So, like, Saturday early afternoon, instead of Sunday?
I’m talking about September 6th. Not in, like, four days…
I stare at the phone and then hurriedly delete the texts. He doesn’t need to deal with my crazy family. We are not far enough in the relationship for him to be my emotional support animal.
Lincoln
I thought we already established that meeting in person breaks rule No. 1.
Doh! Wrong person!
Lincoln
Now I’m feeling offended.
You shouldn’t. I deleted it.
Lincoln
Because you realized I was the wrong person?
No, before that, actually, because I realized it may not be a good idea.
Lincoln
Were you texting black-eye guy?
What if I was?
I probably shouldn’t tell Lincoln that I’ve been thinking about Keaton and his kiss all night and most of the day. I don’t care that we’re only friends and have never met; it’s not cool to talk about kissing one guy to another guy.
Lincoln
I can’t say I approve. I’m still not convinced he’s good enough for you. But it’s not any of my business now, is it?
I sense tone there. But you’re right. It probably isn’t your business. But I do appreciate that you’re looking out for me. Although, can you be certain that it’s not me who’s not good enough for him?
Lincoln
Not possible.
I smile. How could I ever have thought that Lincoln was phishing me? He’s too sweet to be evil.
Lincoln
Believe it or not, I do feel a bit of protectiveness toward you. I mean, I’ve already saved you from a phishing scam.
ROFL. YOU were the phishing scam.
