“Who is that?”
“My lover. Actually we mean to marry this winter.” She shrugged. “At any rate, he has a brother. I’d like you to meet him.”
“No.” Petunia folded her arms. “I will do no such thing I won’t—”
“Nadine!” Mr. Casbon reached for her hand and kissed it. “Lovely as ever, and such a beautiful song you sang, my dear.”
“I practiced.” She beamed.
Jake started to laugh, but Char elbowed him in the ribs. He stopped and coughed.
“And who is this lovely creature?” The other man said to Petunia. “I’ve been watching you all evening, my dear. You are… stunning.”
“Uh.” Petunia looked at Grandma and then back at the man and held out her hand. “P-petunia.”
“Ah, as lovely as the flower!” He took her hand. “May I have this
dance?”
Petunia’s cheeks stained a pretty pink before she gave a quick nod and followed him out onto the dance floor.
“Grandma.” Jake cleared his throat.
“Yes, dear?”
“Mr. Casbon doesn’t have a brother.”
Mr. Casbon chuckled and looked away.
“He does tonight, son.”
“Where’d you find him?”
Grandma picked at the front of her dress and then examined her nails.
“Grandma.” Jake urged. “Where did you find him?”
“He’s a male escort.” She waved Jake off. “Charges a pretty penny too, but I think that they’ll be just lovely together. You know he lost his wife a few years back. He does this just for fun. Lots of widows out there that need company.”
Char’s mouth dropped open. Jake touched her chin and closed it.
“Shall we dance?” Grandma grabbed Mr. Casbon and led him onto the floor, walker and all.
Char watched in shock as Petunia laughed and danced as if she was having the time of her life.
“Hmm.” Jake shook his head. “Male escort?”
“Well, at least she’s happy.” Char pointed. “I mean, look at them!”
Chuckling, Jake stood and pulled Char to her feet. “I don’t want to look at them. I want to look at you.”
“Oh.”
“You’re beautiful.”
“Is this one?” Bets yelled into the microphone. “Oh yes, good, it’s time to cut the cake.”
Everyone clapped.