Page 19 of No More Bad Boys
“Well, thanks for the offer, but that won’t be necessary,” I say, trying to keep it polite and stay calm.
“Especially if you hurry up and find yourownman,” Momma says. “You know, Mitzy told me Mark isn’t with anyone right now.”
“Momma!” Kenley and I screech at the same time.
Only I continue, andcalmis no longer an option. “You arenottrying to set me up with Kenley’s ex-fiancé—are you?”
She blinks a few times, drawing back into her chair. “Well… he’s still a good catch, and he’s from good stock.”
“Hecheatedon me, Mother,” Kenley reminds her. “Cadence’s not interested in dating a cheater.”
“And I’m not interested in dating anyone who dated Kenley. Or anyone whosestockyou might be coveting.”
She gives us a guilty smile. “It’s not about the Fitzsimmons’ money, truly. I was just thinking…”
“Good Lord, Lisbeth. We talked about this.”
Daddy growls as he gets up from the table and carries his empty plate to the sink. He drops it in with a loud clatter and heads down the hallway toward the bedrooms, where I have a pretty good idea what he’ll do—put in a DVD from his vast collection of classic Star Trek episodes—comfort food for the eyes and ears.
I stand to join him, not finished with my own dinner, but no longer feeling hungry anddefinitelyover my limit on Mom-time. I’d rather hang out with Daddy and the crew of the Enterprise any day.
“You know what Momma? Don’t try to think of anyone for me, okay? I can manage my own love life.”
Actually, I haven’t had spectacular success in that department, but the last thing I need isherplaying matchmaker for me. She wouldn’t have any idea what kind of guy I’d like.
And that she’d even consider setting me up with Kenley’s ex… it just proves how little she knows me.
Doesn’t Momma remember the disastrous end to my great high school love affair? How Tyler used me just to get close to Kenley, therealtarget of his affection? It was the last time I gave in to my recessive emotional side and abandoned myself to a day-long, illogical, indulgent weep-fest.
No—I don’t have many criteria for the guys I date—butnotbeing Kenley’s sloppy seconds is at the top of my short list.
Also not on my list? Swaggering, risk-taking hellions with too much charm and off-the-charts testosterone counts.
So why has Blake’s face been coming back to my mind over and over again throughout the evening?
SIX
Rooftop Rendezvous
My phone rings as Kenley and I get into the car to leave.
She’s driving me back home before grabbing her things and heading over to Larson’s house for the night.
She certainlyshouldprovide him with some company and whatever else he wants.
Any man who’ll hang out with our mother without being forced to by biological or marital bondsdeservesa reward.
I swipe the answer button on the screen. “Hello?”
“Cadence—it’s Luce. Where are you? Still at your folks’?”
“Just leaving.”
“Good. Now get your ass over here. We’re at 866 Rooftop. It’s in Midtown.” There’s loud music in the background, and it sounds like fun.
“Oh. Is… everyone still there?”
I’m embarrassed to realize the only part of “everyone” I actually want to know about starts with aBand ends withlake.
