Caleb choked on his drink. A coughing fit started, and it was all he could do not to spray the table with the drink that had been in his mouth. “What?”
“It’s true. They don’t act on anything, but they’ll set you up with someone even as they check you out. You won’t even see it coming.”
He rolled his eyes. No old woman was getting the drop on him.
“I know what you’re thinking. You’re wrong, I promise you.”
“Sit up straight,” the mother from behind him was saying. “You need to always be ready for anyone to see you and want them to think you are always at your best.”
Grace didn’t say a word.
“Anyway, maybe you’ll decide to stick around for a bit. Gonna snow soon, and it’s a pain in the ass, but pretty to see. You can snap some photos.”
Caleb nodded. Photography was his thing, but few outside of his close buddies knew that. He’d even been able to sell a few.
“I will probably be around through this season. It’s a nice town, even if it is a bit small.”
Mike laughed. “It is, isn’t it? I kind of like it, though.”
“Well, yeah. Your wife is here. I still can’t believe all of you went and got married.”
“Not David, turned out he was married the whole time.”
“That’s wild.” He knew the story that had been told to him, but still couldn’t make it make sense in his head. That David had hidden something like that from all of them was crazy.
“Couldn’t quite believe it. But she’s nice, and their daughter is great.”
“Parenthood.” Caleb shook his head. These weren’t the guys who had gotten out only a year or so before him.
“When you know, you know. None of us were looking for it, just happened. I don’t regret it, though.”
“How long do you plan to teach? It’s an admirable enough profession, but surely you plan to do something else with your life? Public servant for life doesn’t have a real ring to it.” The mother was still at the date behind him, and her voice was a little further away. Had she sat down?
“I actually really like teaching; this is what I went to school for.” Grace’s voice had a little more spine to it.
“Of course, you plan to do something else later. No one plans to be poor forever.”
He winced. Grace was staying longer than he would.
“With all due respect, ma’am, this is what I plan to do,” Grace answered.
Good for her.
“I suppose it’s a bit noble. Wouldn’t look too bad to other people. I mean, at least you’re doing something, even if it wouldn’t support you seriously. That’s what Benjamin would be for, anyway.” The mother continued.
“Ma’am, with all due respect—” Grace was cut off before she could finish. Poor girl was still being too nice.
“What Mother is saying is that when we get married, you won’t actually need to work, but if you want to keep this little pet project, I’d allow it. I think it would keep you busy enough, and wouldn’t interfere with any social engagements.”
“Caleb, are you listening?” Mike snapped his fingers to get his attention.
He was listening all right, just not to Mike. He was seconds away from interfering with the date going on behind him. “Sorry, what?”
“What are you so distracted by?” Mike asked.
He thought about not being truthful, but instead tilted his head back to indicate the table where the date was happening.
“Is it that bad?” Mike leaned forward. “Grace is super sweet. She’s got a little bit of a people-pleasing issue, though.”
