“I’d love that. If you want, you can come for dinner tonight. It’s short notice, but I’m worth canceling your plans.”

Trev chuckled. “You know damn well I don’t have any. Text me your address. I’m not a hundred percent sure I can find the place again otherwise. I’ll be there whenever you want me.”

“How’s seven? I need time to sort out the menu.”

“See you then. Babe.”

When Leanne turned, she found Junie studying her with overt fascination, one hand pressed to her heart. “Your man will just drop everything for you? I love him already. I can’t believe you finally met the one! Now that I look at you closer, you do seem to be glowing.”

Leanne stifled a smile. Her mom had the ability to see whatever she wanted. Those rose-colored glasses would be admirable if they didn’t cause Leanne so much trouble.

“Like a radioactive spider,” she said.

“None of that. You’re not allowed to be cynical. Oh, look at this place! I need to tidy up before he gets here. Are you cooking or—”

“I’ll order takeout,” Leanne cut in.

She’d never promised Trev a home-cooked meal, though she did mention dinner. Food was food, right? Quickly, she requisitioned a few dishes from her favorite delivery app then helped Junie clean up the condo. Her mother even made the bed in the guest room, which showed how desperate she was to make a good impression on Leanne’s man. While her mother worked, she texted her address to Trev. While he’d driven to her place the night before, everything looked a bit different at night, and he didn’t know the unit number. She also added, I may have said we’re serious about each other and considering cohabitation. I will owe you so big if you save me from my mother and play along.

“You should change,” Junie said eventually. “Not that your work clothes aren’t…respectable, but you want to look pretty for…” She hesitated. “I don’t think you ever told me his name. Or anything about him.”

“His name is Trevor. And yes, I’ll go get ready.” That effectively ended the gentle interrogation, a necessity since she didn’t know shit about Trev.

She wasn’t about to admit she’d met her “serious boyfriend” once and that he was walking into this situation as a favor. Hopefully, he wouldn’t mind playing his part in this ridiculous drama, even if Junie grilled him like a choice sirloin. Her babbling could overwhelm a person quick, if they weren’t used to her conversational style.

He hasn’t answered. Did he see the text?