“It’s okay, the salad that’s coming will be just fine as an appetizer for me. Now all of the crab dip can be for you.” I feign a smile and wish I were back at Garrett’s house, floating in his pool.
Peggy is at the house tonight with Kai and Garrett wasn’t home when I left. I’m glad he wasn’t there because I didn’t want him to see me leave on this ‘date.’ I promised Marcie I would go, and I just want it to be over. I also don’t want Garrett to think anything serious is going on with Richard. In fact, there’s nothing going on with me and Richard. This isn’t even a date, really. More like a favor for a friend.
I just want to get home and pretend I never agreed to this outing tonight. Things have been really good lately, and Garrett has been doing great with Kai. Sure, there’s been a few ups and downs, but he’s been so attentive and not as nervous around him as he had been.
I look up and see that Richard is shoveling the dip into his mouth and making horrid noises while he does it. I take a sip of cold water to keep my gag reflex at bay. C’mon Cassie. Call, Goddammit.
“Marcie never mentioned you have a brother,” Richard says, catching me off guard. Did Marcie set him up with the wrong person?
“I don’t,” I state, and his expression changes again. This time he looks utterly confused.
“No? He answered your phone the very first time I tried calling you a while back.”
“You must not have called the right number, because I assure you, I don’t have a brother.” I glance down at my phone, willing it to ring.
“Well, then some other guy answered it. He may not be your brother, but he confirmed it was your phone.”
What the hell?
My cell phone vibrates loudly on the table, and I see Cassie’s name pop up. “It’s my aunt. She wouldn’t call me if it wasn’t important. She’s knows I’m on a date. I’m sorry, but I have to take this.”
“Hello?” I say, feigning worry.
“You’re a terrible mean person. Do you know that?” Cassie scolds me.
“Hey, Aunt Peggy. Is everything okay?” My voice becomes uncharacteristically high, and the lie begins to flow too easily.
“I can’t believe you’re ditching another date. Can’t you at least make it to the main course? You know, I almost didn’t call you back. I almost ignored your text. But I love you too much to do that to you.” I want to smile, but I bite my lip to stop myself.
“Really? He usually doesn’t have a problem with that kind of formula.” I continue the ruse, and I hear Cassie sigh loudly through the phone.
“Seriously, Sam. This is the last time I’m doing this. Marcie thought you’d really like this guy. He’s her cousin and she swears he’s the perfect catch.”
That explains a lot. Marcie isn’t exactly a social butterfly. She’s nice and all but is very socially awkward. I look up at Richard and see a vague resemblance. I should have known.
“Okay, I’ll leave right away. I’m sorry I left before you could run out to get his food.”
“You need to get laid, Sam. If Richard isn’t the one to do it, you’d better find someone soon. You’re cooped up in that house with the baby all day long, and you don’t have time for anything. I’m taking you out on Saturday night. We’re going to find someone for you. Stat.” She hangs up and I finish the fake conversation.
“I’ll see you in twenty minutes. I’m so sorry. He’ll be okay until I get there. I promise.”
I look over to Richard, who is licking the crab dip from his fingers. He raises his eyebrows and asks, “Is everything okay? It sounded serious.”
“No, it’s not. The baby I’m caring for is out of formula. I thought I picked up a case from the pharmacy the other day, but that was two weeks ago. My aunt came to help out so I could go out with you tonight, and I’m afraid I left her in a bad spot. I have to leave. I’m so sorry.” I gather my phone and my clutch and shift in my seat.