Austin made a spur-of-the-moment decision to visit.

His aunt, who had married a local, just had surgery so he decided to pay her a visit.

Although the county wasn't as bustling as Stonebridge, its scenic beauty was unmatched. Planning a brief escape, Austin and his buddy Frank decided on a road trip, as last-minute tickets were elusive. Upon his arrival, his aunt immediately broached the subject of his love life.

Over thirty and still single, Austin had become the family project, with relatives frequently attempting to set him up. Austin played along, though hardly with enthusiasm. After a few meetings, potential matches often backed out, citing lack of chemistry or differing personalities.

His mom had called ahead, so his aunt, ever the matchmaker, claimed to know just the person.

"She's in the same line of work as you, and she's back home for the holidays. I bet you two would have plenty to talk about."

Austin was exasperated. "I came to see you, not to go on an arranged date."

But his aunt insisted, "Oh, come on, give it a shot. Joy's a hoot. Last time we played cards together, I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt."

"Her name's Joy, huh?" Austin remembered that Joy was from around here.

He went, of course, not expecting such an unconventional blind date experience.

Joy had shared her ticket hunt fiasco on social media, eliciting teasing from friends.

her: "See

wondered why the air

social media smelled worse,

banter successfully

up, cleared her throat, and

heading back today. Need a

"Yes, please!"

downstairs

out of bed,

put thin

putting

in

a frenzy and

novel.net

makeup to recover some

wheel,

her humor, but Austin seemed genuinely

service area, they grabbed a meal together. To give him a break, Joy offered to drive. "Have some

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