Page 8 of Fall Fake-Out

“Pfft.” My mom waves Landrie away. “She doesn’t like my new hobby, but let me tell you, Dad has no complaints.”

I laugh a little. “What’s your new hobby?”

“Romance books!” There’s an unhinged level of excitement in her voice. “I’ve been going to the library every week and getting a stack of books to read.”

“She has a book in her face so much you can hardly talk to her anymore,” Landrie adds.

My mom frowns back at her. “That’s not true.”

“I think that’s great,” Gina says. “I wish I had more time to read.”

“As an English teacher”—I lift my shoulders—“I’m never going to knock reading as a hobby.”

“Thank you.” Mom grins at me. “I knew you’d understand.”

“Yeah, but she’s obsessed with romance.” Landrie points at me. “You’ll see.”

“Speaking of romance and love…” Mom hops up from her spot on the couch and runs to the kitchen, talking louder as she disappears. “Let me get the Autumn Ridge community phone book out to see what eligible bachelors live in town that you can marry.”

“Mom!” My head falls back against the couch. “We are not going through the community phone book to find me a husband.”

“If not a husband, at least a date for the wedding!” she calls. “I don’t want you to feel sad that you don’t have someone with you at your little sister’s wedding.”

I wasn’t sad about it until now.

“Oh, they just printed a new phone book in January.” Gina smiles excitedly. “So it’s pretty up to date.”

It’s clear that the Autumn Ridge community phone book is their version of Tinder.

“Okay!” My mom shuffles back in the room, holding a stapled packet like it’s 1987. She takes her place back on the couch and flips the pages open.

“Starting strong in alphabetical order, how about Dominic Harper? He’s cute and single.”

“Dom?” My forehead crinkles.

“He’s also the town handyman,” Gina adds. “Think of all the odd jobs he could do around your house.”

“No.” I shake my head.

“Why not?” My mom’s lips move to a pout.

Well, for starters, he’s way too quiet and reserved for me. But really, Dom was Reese’s first love. Going after one of your best friend’s guys is not cool. Even if I were interested (which I’m not), Dom is off-limits.

“Because he’s too quiet,” I say, opting to keep Reese’s love life out of this.

“Quiet can be good. You need someone who’s quiet to balance your craziness.” I shoot my mom a withering stare that prompts her to move on. “Fine. Who else?” She sits up taller. “Archer Kade.”

I don’t recognize that name. “Who?”

“He owns the stables over at Horseshoe Holler.” My mom says it as if I should know.

“He’s ex rodeo!” Landrie chimes in, and honestly, I feel betrayed by her participation in this.

Gina peeks around Landrie’s leg. “Moved here five years ago. Handsome.”

“No. This is ridiculous! We’re not doing this.”

“If not Archer, then what about Noah Monroe? He’s a catch.”