Page 14 of Pity Parade

Wait, are they trying to set Trina up with this guy? Why in the world? I mean, he’s got to be nearly sixty.

Trina looks around the table uncomfortably before standing up. “Well, then, if you’ll all excuse me. I’ll return soon.”

As she walks away, the women at the table start to chatter animatedly, while the men share a look this time.

Something is going on here and I’m determined to find out what.

CHAPTER SEVEN

TRINA

This night couldn’t be more awkward if Jeffrey Halloway’s dead wife showed up. Yes, in the last ten minutes, I’ve found out he’s a widower, a retired stockbroker, and in love with all seven of his grandchildren. Oh, and garlic gives him heartburn.

While he seems like a thoroughly decent man, there is no way I’m feeling anything romantic toward him. I blame that rat, Heath Fox.

I’m not saying I’m attracted to Heath—even though, truthfully, I know I am. But I will confess to being distracted by him. It’s not bad enough I had to run into him here in Elk Lake, of all places, but he’s staying right next door to the property I’m renting. Add to that he seems to being going out of his way to get to know the only people in town that I know, and I couldn’t be more annoyed.

“Are you looking to move to Elk Lake?” Jeffrey wants to know.

“Ah, no. I’m just spending the summer here.”

“Are you hoping to have children some day?” This question causes me to choke on my drink. Like I seriously nearly spit a mouthful of my lemon drop on him.

I manage to compose myself before answering, “I plan to, yes.” Then I tease, “How else am I ever going to have grandchildren to dote on?”

“Grandchildren are wonderful,” he says. “But kids are a lot of work.”

“I imagine they are.” This conversation is beyond weird.

“I’m too old to have more children,” Jeffrey blurts out.

“Oh, okay.” I mean, what else can I say? I wasn’t asking for a donation.

“I just thought I’d tell you that in case Tim was hoping to set us up. Not that he was. I mean you probably think I’m too old for you.” He keeps rambling, “I probably am too old for you.” Then he throws back the rest of his drink before announcing, “I’ve only just started putting my toe back into the dating world since my wife died. I’m making a muck of it, aren’t I?”

He absolutely is, but I don’t want to be unkind. “How long has it been, Jeffrey?”

“Two years.” His eyes start to fill with tears. “Honestly, I wouldn’t even be thinking about it, but it gets kind of lonely. I took early retirement so Jen and I could spend our golden years together, but life had other plans.”

Before I can offer words of condolence, he perks up. “You know what? My son Jake is single! I could introduce you to him.” I suddenly feel like two-day old bread that’s been marked down in hopes someone will buy me.

“I’m not really looking,” I lie. The only thing worse than being set up with someone my dad’s age is having that person try to pawn me off on his kid.

“You should be.” He looks sheepish before adding, “It gets harder to get pregnant the older you are.”

Dear God, this is a miserable conversation. “I’ve heard that,” I tell him. “But I’m not opposed to adopting.”

“That’s a lovely thought, dear.” As Jeffrey relaxes his posture, he seems to shrink two inches. He’d clearly been sucking in his stomach for my benefit because he now looks every minute his age.

“I’m going to go join my friends,” I tell him. “But it was very nice meeting you, Jeffrey.”

“You too, dear.”

I practically sprint away from him, but then I realize I’m going back to sit next to Heath. All eyes are on me as I take my place.

“Should we make room for Jeffrey to join us?” Tim asks me enthusiastically.

“I don’t think so.”

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