Page 113 of Pinch of Love
“Right. In Madison, which would be a really long commute for Daisy.”
My mom laughed and nodded. “Obviously, but distance shouldn’t matter when it comes to love.”
“But it does.” I shifted on the bench. “In fact, it’s a big deal to Hunter. On the camping trip, he wouldn’t shut up about how Maya and I were doomed since she’d be headed back to North Carolina soon.”
“Three weeks, right?” my mom asked.
“You’re certainly keeping tabs, and you haven’t even met her yet.”
“A lot can happen in three weeks, Cash. You gotta keep the faith.”
I laughed and shook my head. “I’m fully stocked on faith, Mom. Hunter, not so much.”
“Well, it just so happens that in three weeks, we’re having a little soiree down at Spring Lake Farms and Apple Orchard.” My mom glanced at Millie, who took over for my mom.
“And we just need you to make sure your brother makes it there.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said, feeling all eyes on me.
“No, it needs to happen.”
I let out a defeated laugh. “Fine. Hunter will be at Spring Lake Farms and Apple Orchard.”
“Good.” My mom nodded.
Hunter was going to hate me for this. Sure, Daisy was super cute, and any guy would be lucky to hang out with her, but a blind date? Hunter would rather be celibate.
“You said there were two things you needed to talk to me about?”
Dad stood with his empty margarita glass. “Anyone need a refill? I sure do.”
Millie and my mom shook their heads.
After my dad went inside, Millie leaned forward. “You’re behind schedule.”
My brows shot up. “Schedule for what?”
“Oh, look! A hummingbird. She’s late going south,” Millie pointed out the tiny bird hovering over my mom’s orange and burgundy mums. Millie had the attention span of a goldfish.
“A lot can happen in three weeks,” my mom started.
“But I was hoping that you two would be farther along. We’re about to start the next book tomorrow at the club, and usually, we’re already feeling good about things before we move to the next.”
I sat back on the bench and scowled. “The next book or the next set of victims?”
Millie laughed. “Both.”
I shook my head, smiling. “What on earth are you talking about?”
“You and Maya.”
My dad walked onto the patio with his margarita and turned right back around.
“Oh, no, you don’t, Dad,” I said, waving him down. “You get to be out here with me.”
He chuckled and let out a sigh. “Fine.”
“Listen, I appreciate your concern about Maya and about me.” I crossed my ankles. “But there’s nothing to rush. She’s got a lot going on back home, and I’m not going to put pressure on her. She just got out of a really crappy relationship. I won’t be that guy making her feel like she has to rush into things.”