Farmington straightens his shoulders and pats her arm awkwardly. “Nobody’s a lost cause. Let me show you a few tricks.”
I watch Lucy’s smile grow bigger as he begins to chat with her about the mechanics of bowling.
Margaret stands next to me and watches as Farmington fights a losing battle on teaching Lucy some bowling techniques.
“So, how is your roommate doing?” Margaret asks slyly.
I know what she’s up to. She’s a notorious matchmaker. She played a big part in Kingston and Willa’s relationship, and even Meyer and Archie’s reconciled marriage. Meyer is Willa’s best friend and I think my friend too. She’s always been very welcoming to me anytime I’m around and has tried to warn me about Margaret’s manipulative ways.
“I’ll tell you about my roommate if you tell me about your boyfriend,” I say with a grin.
She clicks her tongue. “You might come across as an easygoing guy, but I know better.”
“I’ve been learning some tricks from a friend.” I wink at her. “But to answer your question, Lucy is nice. You were right. It’s not bad, having her in the house.”
“Good. Very good. I’ve been worried about you.”
I look at her in surprise.
Margaret shrugs. “Your best friend is busy with a new girlfriend, I’ve never seen you deeply attached to anyone, and I’m concerned about your happiness. You needed a friend. And I think Lucy did too.”
I stare at her for a moment. “So, you weren’t trying to play matchmaker with us?”
Margaret waves a hand through the air. “Of course not. You’re both much too busy for that. I was simply trying to coordinate a friendship between the two of you.”
“Congratulations. It was a success.” I hold out a hand and shake hers solemnly.
Margaret laughs. “Yes, I think you two will have a lot of fun together. I mean, just look at her.”
I do. And what I see has me grinning ear to ear. Farmington is enthusiastically reenacting a slider throw.
“What’s with you and Farmington?”
Margaret smiles softly. “Gerry? I know, to you, he might seem like a grumpy recluse…but there’s something more to him.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
Margaret looks over at the group she’s bowling with. “His whole family is here to meet me because he told them he wants to date me. They love him. And usually, a person has to be a special if their family loves to spend time with them.” She points to a woman in her fifties. “That’s Gerry’s oldest daughter.”
Farmington’s daughter comes over and introduces herself to Lucy, equally enthusiastic about bowling.
“I’m sorry to steal him,” Lucy greets her, “but I thought maybe I’d ask the professional how to bowl.”
I watch as both of them are taken in by Lucy’s big smile and warm manner. She has a way with people and making themcomfortable. But I notice something else too—something more. Maybe she isn’t as comfortable as she pretends to be when chatting with strangers. Her smile is a little different than when she’s teasing me.
After a quick bowling lesson from Gerry, Lucy promises him that she’ll kick my butt. He grins, shakes her hand, and returns to what we’ve learned ishisparty with his family.
Margaret gives me a wink and follows him. “I have a bowling game to lose.”
“Why don’t you just say yes when he asks you out?” I ask her.
“Because where’s the fun in that?” Margaret waves to Lucy.
I watch the confusion flit across Lucy’s face, and she turns to me. “Did Margaret’s boyfriend just teach me to bowl?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Lucy laughs, then picks up another bowling ball, pointing it at me, and says, “Prepare yourself for something awesome, then.”
