“Bailey said they’re putting the finishing touches on,” Georgia said excitedly. She started rambling on about the interior and the decorations Bailey was interested in. I tried to be excited for her, but the clock on the wall was ticking, telling me my day was over and I could go home and relax.
Even Brody seemed to be watching every second pass as if they were all his last.
“Mom, it’s after five. I’m sure Josie has to get home,” Brody interrupted just as Georgia was about to start in on what they were going to do with the outside of the house.
“Oh, look at the time. I just enjoy our visits so much.”
“I do, too, Georgia.”
“Next time, maybe you could stay for dinner. Brody would like that, wouldn’t you?” she asked, shooting him a pointed look.
It took everything in me not to burst out laughing at the sour expression on his face, but somehow, I held it back.
“We’ll see,” I said as I stood, ready to get home.
“Thank you again for dropping off my order.”
“Anytime. Besides, it’s on my way home.”
“It’s on the other side of town,” Brody muttered, earning a glare from me.
“Thank you again for the tea and cookies.”
It took me another ten minutes of goodbyes as I put on my shoes and wrapped up in my coat and scarf before she would finally let me out the door.
“Oh, Brody, walk her to her car like a gentleman,” she said just as I was escaping.
“That’s okay. I?—”
“Nonsense. I raised my son to be a gentleman.”
Grinning at the gentleman, I waited patiently for him to slip his shoes on before heading out to my car.
“You egg her on,” I said as I unlocked my car. “If you would just play along, she would get off your back.”
“Actually, if I played along, we’d be married next year.”
I grimaced at the thought. “Well, don’t do that then.”
“Why?” He seemed suddenly offended that I would say something like that. “You don’t think I’m good enough for you?”
“No, but it’s not like you’re interested in dating either. Why are you so offended?”
“Because you said it with such disgust. I’m a good catch.”
“And some other woman will be lucky to have you.”
His grin spread across his face proudly.
“Thankfully, it won’t be me.”
That knocked the smile down a peg or two.
“Always great to see you, Josie.”
“Want to give me a hug for your mother?”
“Only if you want me to strangle you at the same time,” he smiled.
