Page 17 of Christmas Kisses

"God, we sound like the old biddies, gossiping."

He adds cream and sugar to his coffee and stirs it while looking expectantly at me. That's actually the reason I wanted to meet at this place instead of Sam's. There's a group of senior citizens that gossip and give advice even when it hasn't been asked for. We call them the old biddies, and I think they're proud of the term.

"Sam asked me to give her dating lessons."

"Oh, wow. That's interesting. I take it you said yes and are now in over your head?"

"More like I said yes, and everything new I learn about her makes me want her more. I kissed her a couple of days ago, and she's been ghosting me since. Well, we talk, but only about business, and then she leaves for the night with her best friend, Brandy."

"Why don't you invite them for dinner? Merry and I can host."

"What would that do for me?"

"We can talk you up. She can see we are a close-knit family. I don't know. It's just a suggestion."

"I'll think about it."

"If you really want this girl, Ben, you need to bring out your inner alpha male and sweep her off her feet."

"I don't know if I have an alpha male inside me. I've always thought of myself more of a cinnamon roll or golden retriever type."

Danny waves his hand at me. "So go up to her, put your paws on her shoulders and lick her face. She'll fall for you in no time."

"You're no help."

"You know how long I waited for a chance with Merry, and when she gave me the slightest opening, I made sure I gave it my all. Now we're happily married and expecting."

"You've made a wonderful life together with your wife, brother. I'm proud of you."

"I don't even know why we're having this conversation, Ben. You're the most romantic person I know. You love the little details that make women swoon. Why haven't you done that with Sam?"

"I have, to some extent. She's just—she’s been hurt before. Especially by men like the mayor who take advantage of people."

"Still waiting for you to announce your candidacy." Danny teases.

"That would be easier than winning my girl's heart."

We talk about our business for a long time and when my brother leaves, I still wonder what I will do to separate the beautiful duo so that I can have some more time alone with Sam. My main goal is for us to go to that Mixer together and for her to forget all about Mayor Douchebag. My brain keeps spinning all day long, coming up with ideas and then discarding them when they don't seem feasible.

I walk into Over the Roast at six o'clock sharp and see the dynamic duo. Before they get a chance to leave, I stand in front of the door, blocking their path.

"Sam, can I have a word with you in private?"

"Um, we're in a hurry."

"It's important."

"You can say anything to Sam in front of me, Ben Hoffer," Brandy says.

They're putting me on the spot, but if they think that will stop me, they've got another thing coming.

"Sam, will you go out with me Saturday night?"

"Like…like…"

"A real date, yes."

"I…" Her eyes slice to Brandy and back to me.

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