“He has practice.” And by practice, I mean happily spending his free time away from his non-girlfriend-quasi-boss.

“Stop being ridiculous. Of course he will attend. This party is more important than some football practice.”

“His scholarship is dependent on him playing football. His practices are important.” At least, I assume they are, whenever they happen to be.

“Relationships are about compromise and sacrifice. I am sure Austin can talk to his coach, explain the importance and escort you to dinner this weekend.”

Oh good, just what every young woman wants, relationship advice from her father.

“But I—”

“Elizabeth Marie Wilde, we are done discussing it. I expect you both here at a quarter past six on Sunday.”

“Yes, Father.” When he uses my full name, I’ve lost the battle. There’s no point in arguing. I’d be wasting my breath.

“Good. Now, I have to go. I have a meeting.”

“Bye.”

“Goodbye, Beth.”

I throw the phone down on the coffee table and collapse onto the couch in defeat. Would my father believe it if I told him Austin was in a freak accident? He couldn’t come because he was struck by lightning? Abducted by circus clowns?

Couldn’t be any less believable than the truth—Austin didn’t come with me because he doesn’t care about me. He’s only hanging out with me because I’m pathetically paying him to teach me to have sex because I’m too weird and awkward to figure it out on my own.

I’m lost in my imagination, thinking of the most believable unbelievable thing that could happen to keep Austin from coming on Sunday, when my phone buzzes. My breath catches seeing his name flash across my screen.

Dork.

Austin: Dinner tonight?

Me: Is that an offer or a question?

I hope it’s an offer. I love it when Austin cooks for me. There’s something sexy about a man who can cook.

Thing number two I love about Austin—his cooking.

Austin: Both?

Me: Then, yes?

Austin: That an answer or a question?

Me: An answer, ass

Austin: Good to know you’re just as feisty digitally as in person

Me: Shut up

Austin: I’m not talking

Me: You know what I mean!

Austin: Almost never. See ya tonight

The short exchange with Austin leaves me with a big fat stupid grin on my face. I’m happy for all of five minutes, right until I remember the conversation with my father.

* * * *