“Yes, I’ll call Mom. Have dinner with us. I’m sure Dad gets tired of all the female chatter at the table. Seriously, I’d like for you to come over, too.” She really liked his company, but as a friend. “We can play cards if you want,” she added, knowing how much this would please her parents.

“Name the time, and I’ll be there,” he said.

“Sevenish?” She’d have to call her mother and make sure whatever she’d planned for dinner would be enough for Brent, too. He was a big guy and consumed loads of food. If not, she’d stop and grab pizzas on her way home.

“I’ll see you then,” he said, standing aside as she unlocked the door.

“Sounds good,” she replied, forcing enthusiasm into her tone of voice.

When he left, Lauren breathed an actual sigh of relief. There was no way she would lie about her feelings for him. That would be dishonest and unfair to both of them. Brent deserved better, which reminded her she had a couple of phone calls to make.

First, she called her mother. “Hey, I know this is last-minute, but I invited Brent over for dinner and cards if you all are up to it. I wasn’t sure if whatever you’re making will be enough to feed him, too. You know what an appetite the guy has. I can grab a couple of pizzas if you want.”

“Having Brent over is a wonderful idea! Your father is feeling good today, and I’ve made a pot roast with all the fixin’s, so I’ll get busy,” her mother said, her voice filled with joy.

“I told him sevenish. Is that okay?”

“It’s perfect.”

“Thanks, Mom. I’m closing at five, so I’ll be there to help out.”

They said their good-byes, and before Lauren got busy and forgot, she dialed Madison’s number.

“Hi, stranger,” Madison’s cheery voice said. Caller ID canceled out all surprise phone calls these days.

Lauren laughed. “Stranger?”

“I didn’t see you at church this morning, and you haven’t called me in nine days. The way I look at it, that makes you a stranger. ”

They both laughed.

“I’m sorry, I’ve let the store occupy all my time. It’s that time of year once again, and you know how it is,” Lauren said. “I promise to take you to lunch as soon as I can, but I called to ask a favor,” Lauren explained. “Brent was in the store today. Brought us lunch from Ruby’s.”

She gave Madison a couple of seconds to absorb her words.

“And that means what?” Madison asked.

“This sounds so silly at my age, but I was wondering if you knew of anyone who’s available for, you know, a date. For Brent.”

Madison laughed out loud. “Someone other than you, you mean?”

Lauren couldn’t help but laugh. “Exactly. The guy can’t get it through his thick skull that I’m not interested in him, at least not in the way he wants. From what I know, he doesn’t even try to date anyone.”