Page 39 of Blind Date
“Here’s the thing. I could probably like you, but I’m on the fence.”
“Why is that?” I asked.
“Because I’ve liked the guys my mom has dated before. But,” she held up her finger, “this is where it got complicated. One of them cheated. One of them told her that teaching wasn’t a real career, and another told her she was too emotional.”
“Well, she still is grieving the loss of a relationship six months later,” I said.
“That doesn’t make her too emotional, Weston.” She popped her lips.
This kid was unbelievable.
“Are you always like this?” I asked.
“You mean suspicious and intense?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Absolutely.”
“Zoey, have you seen—” Sam stopped dead in her tracks when she saw me. Her head bopped back and forth between her daughter and me.
“No. No. No.” She stared at Zoey.
“I was conducting research. Relax, Mom.”
“Please tell me she wasn’t questioning you,” Samantha said.
“I wasn’t questioning him,” Zoey said, and looked at me. “What are your long-term intentions with my mother, Mr. Castile?”
Sam looked horrified as I chuckled.
“I am so sorry.” She grabbed her purse.
“Don’t be.”
“No, seriously. I am so sorry.”
“I like her.” I smiled at Zoey.
Zoey grinned. “I may just like you after all.” She walked away and disappeared into the hallway.
“She reminds me of you,” I said to Sam.
“Should I be insulted?”
“No.” I chuckled. “It’s a good thing. Are you ready?”
“I am. Let’s go.” She flashed a beautiful smile.
Ben pulled down the street from the Starlight Café since there wasn’t anywhere else to park. I climbed out, extended my hand, and helped Samantha from the car.
“Wes?” Ben called my name.
“Yeah?” I stuck my head inside.
“Be nice.”
“I can’t make any promises, Ben.”
