Chapter 6: Unlikely Bonds

Early the next morning, a sedan idled outside our house, sunlight glinting off its faded hood. A teenage boy stepped out, shifting his backpack and giving me a shy look.

“Hello, Mr. Miller.”

I nodded, trying for warmth. “Don’t be nervous, make yourself at home.” The tension from last night clung to me, but I tried to shake it off. The kid’s eyes darted from my sneakers to the porch swing, clearly uncomfortable.

Natalie, who’d been sulking in the living room, burst out as soon as she saw him.

“Dad, you’ve gone too far! No one can replace Dylan. I’ll never give in to your arranged marriage!” Her voice ricocheted down the hallway, setting off the neighbor’s dog.

I looked at her, genuinely confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Aaron has good grades and a good personality. You two are not a match at all. Why would I set him up with you?” I was baffled. Arranged marriage? This wasn’t a soap opera.

Natalie’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Even if you don’t admit it, I know you’re trying to break me and Dylan up. Otherwise, why would you have him come to our house for no reason?”

The comments started flying:

[I didn’t see this coming.]

[Our girl is sharp.]

[I’m willing to call the heroine’s dad the worst villain, always scheming, can’t stand to see my internet wildcat happy.]

[So annoying. Heroine, hurry up and kick this third wheel out!]

I was speechless. “Aaron is the son of the owner of Annie’s Diner at the entrance of our old neighborhood. He lived with his grandma out in the country for a few years. Now he’s about to start his senior year, so I wanted to bring him to the city for school.”

Natalie rolled her eyes so hard he wondered if she could see her own brain. She muttered, “Yeah right, taking in a stranger for no reason. Aren’t you just hoping I’ll fall for him and dump Dylan?”

“I’m telling you, this country kid doesn’t stand a chance!”

With that, she stormed out, her keys clattering on the table.

I glanced at Aaron, who looked like he wanted to disappear. “Sorry, my daughter’s got some issues. Just ignore her.”

He shook his head quickly. “I’m already grateful you’re giving me a chance to study.” His voice was quiet, but I heard the gratitude. Sometimes, kids who have nothing say thank you like it’s a prayer.