Free Spicing Up Trouble: a romantic comedy by Mary Jo Burke Page B

Nice big nest to feather for you and the kids. Congratulations," Grant said.
    "No, I can explain," I said.
    "My late wife worked as my secretary," Grant said wistfully.
    "Thanks for stopping by." Ben dismissed him.
    "I'll leave you two to your meal. Good seeing you again, Ben, nice to meet you Alexia."
    Grant left and stopped by another table and did the whole routine again, definitely a rehearsed act right down to the cold stare he couldn't hide. Did he travel from restaurant to restaurant looking for someone to toss him some business?
    "I don't like him," I said.
    "You're joining a long list. At the top is my father. Years ago, Grant made a move on my mom at a party. Woke up in the hospital with six stitches over his eyebrow," he said, scooping up a strawberry.
    "Your father hit him?"
    "No, my mom armed with a wine bottle. If my dad got his hands on him, Grant would be dead." Not knowing any details, I sided with Ben's dad.
    "Grant thinks we're engaged," I said to change the subject.
    "He probably read it in the newspaper." He fiddled with his phone.
    "Have you two finished eating? I have paying customers waiting," Irene said as the busboy cleared the dishes.
    "Thanks for the meal, and I insist on paying." Ben stood and kissed Irene on the cheek.
    "Don't forget me." Eleanor ran over and offered her cheek to Ben.
    He smiled and obliged her.
    "If you hurt my sister, you will be sorry you were ever born," Irene said.
    "I'd be deserving of your wrath," he said.
    "Just making sure you know it," Irene said, lightly touching her freshly kissed cheek.
    "No more threats, we just met him," Eleanor said.
    He smiled again and put a generous tip down for Tim. I stood between my sisters. Ben put his hand out to me and I joined him.
    "You moms behave yourselves. Don't call Alexia; let her call you. A pleasure to share our dinner with you this one time, but I hope it doesn't become a habit. Good evening, ladies." He led me out the door.
     

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    "Should you call Mark?" I asked.
    "I sent a text message. He should be here any minute." He snuggled me close and kissed my forehead. "I like your sisters. I'm thinking of having them skinned, stuffed, and donated to the Field Museum. They should fit in nicely with the killer lionesses."
    "I promise not to let them come on any more of our dates."
    Mark pulled up in a black sports car, and a red convertible pulled up and parked behind him.
    "Have fun?" Mark asked me.
    "Yes. And you?"
    "Soon." He nodded to the convertible.
    My decoy, Jenny, stepped out, waved, and skipped around to the passenger door. Mark got in the driver's seat and they left.
    Ben and I slid into the sports car, closed the doors, and kissed again.
    "Where are you sleeping tonight?" He put the car in gear.
    "I thought my sisters were pushy." I tried to hide my delight.
    "You can't go home. Your place will be swarming. The imitator doesn't last all night. I'd rather you didn't stay with Eleanor or Irene. Either one would tear me apart and talk you out of seeing me again."
    "They could try but not succeed."
    "I appreciate your support." He pulled out into traffic. "I have a condo for rent. I would add it to your benefit package to sweeten the employment deal."
    "Very generous and what, pray tell, is in it for you?" I asked.
    Please say you liked me.
    "A responsible tenant. An assistant close by to heed my call. A model who's schedule is workable. A woman who shouldn't be bothered by outside forces just because I want to see her again."
    Close enough.
    "Valid reasons, but why is it vacant?"
    "The guy moved back to California. Chicago was too urban. I guess he thinks Los Angeles is suburban. Last winter, he didn't understand cold and snow. He wouldn't buy boots. Thought he could tough it out if he wore wool socks with sandals. He was a bit unclear on terms 'polar vortex' and 'Upper Midwest.'"
    We veered off Lake Shore Drive. A horse drawn carriage crossed in front of us. He proceeded to a short building in comparison to