“Most women like to make sure they don’t ever have anything to worry about. I’d recommend less grease and carbs to help you keep your figure.”
Now there was definitely a snort behind her. She clutched her fork and told herself she didn’t look good in orange as she debated stabbing both men.
“My mother says that women have to work hard to keep themselves ready for their husbands. I just thought you would be doing the same,” Ben prattled on.
“Interesting. I never said I was looking to get married.”
“Your Grandmother told Mother that you were, and that’s how we ended up here. Mother says it’s past time that I start looking to settle down and start a family. I suppose she’s right.” He paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. “You can have kids, right? Have you had all that checked out?”
Grace gaped. Who asked someone they just met that? And why?
“Benjamin,” a lady called out.
He waved and slid out of the booth to greet her. “Mother, this is her. Grace, this is Mother.”
Could it get any worse? “Hello,” Grace managed. Her fries had better arrive soon, or she’d have to leave without them.
“Stand up, girl. Let me get a look at you.”
Her jaw fell open. There was absolutely no way she was getting out of the booth to let this woman look her over.
“Here are those fries, Grace.” The server set them down and escaped to watch from a better distance.
Grace took a fry and dipped it in the ketchup, ignoring the man and woman in front of her.
CHAPTER 2
Caleb keptone ear on the date going on behind him. It was a train wreck, poor girl.
The man had already mentioned his mother a few times, and now she’s shown up. It seemed to be planned that way.
Worse was that the woman didn’t seem to have any idea about the date. He’d met her briefly, but he heard her get introduced to the stick-in-the-mud behind him. Everything had been rough since then.
“Fries are not good for you. Why aren’t you eating the sensible salad Benjamin ordered for you?” The mother was saying.
He didn’t hear Grace reply. Caleb wanted to turn around, but resisted.
“So how long do you think you’re sticking around?” Mike asked.
“I’m not sure. Didn’t really have any plans, just knew it was time to leave.” He ignored the date behind him and turned his focus to his buddy.
“Yeah, it’s strange how you just know one day that this is it.”
Caleb nodded. That was pretty much how it was. He was getting close to making a decision about reenlisting and had just decided he didn’t want to do it anymore.
“You have a job lined up anywhere?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. I’m not too pressed about it. I’ve got a lot saved and can decide what to do from here.”
“Well, if you need one, I could always use some help.” Mike had a whole construction company he was running.
“I’ll let you know. Not sure this place is where I’m staying for good, but I wasn’t sure where to start.”
“Here is as good a place as any. It’s a good town, just avoid those ladies.” Mike discreetly gestured at the older ladies, one he’d met earlier.
“Why?”
“They’re horny.” Mike shrugged.
