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. nning a brief escape, Austin and his buddy Frank decided on a road trip, asst-minute tickets were elusive. Upon his arrival, his aunt immediately broached the subject of his love life.


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


    His mom had called ahead, so his aunt, ever the matchmaker, imed 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,e on, give it a shot. Joy''s a hoot. Last time we yed cards together, Iughed 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.


    Selina photoshopped a train ticket for her: "See how much I spoil you?"


    Devin joked, "I wondered why the air seemed clearer, it''s because you left."


    Joy retorted, "I was wondering why my social media smelled worse, must be you talking trash."


    Their banter sessfully vented Joy''s frustration.


    The next day, she was still in bed when Austin called. Seeing his name, she immediately sat up, cleared her throat, and answered with the professionalism of a customer service rep. "Morning, boss," she greeted him.


    "Morning, employee," Austin replied. "I''m heading back today. Need a lift?"


    "Yes, please!"


    "I''ll be downstairs in thirty."


    Joy scrambled out of bed, packing


    put thin


    putting


    in


    in a frenzy and even


    novel


    on makeup to recover some dignity.


    The drive back was long and tiring. Fearful of Austin dozing off at the wheel, Joy stayed in the passenger seat keeping him entertained with her repertoire of jokes. S


    Perhaps it was her humor, but Austin seemed genuinely amused throughout.


    Stopping at a service area, they grabbed a meal together. To give him a break, Joy offered to drive. "Have some rest. I''m a good driver, trust me." Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    "I trust you," Austin said. "But I''m noedian."


    As Joy headed to the restroom, Frank called.


    "Hey, man, did you forget something when you left?"


    "I was in a hurry," Austin exined.


    "What about me?" Frank protested over the phone, sounding abandoned. "How am I supposed to get back?"


    "Stay a few more days. Stonebridge won''t miss one person."


    Joy returned to hear Austin''s end of the conversation.


    "Your friend?" she asked.


    Austin, unflustered, confirmed, "Yeah, he decided to extend his stay."


    Joy, unsuspecting, had bought some gum on her way back and offered him a piece: "Want one?"


    Austin nced at the gum, then at her, a silentmunication passing between them before he epted.