Free The Last Bachelor by Judy Christenberry Page A

okay? At least not before we talk about it.”
    â€œYes, I’m sorry.”
    â€œCome on. We’re going to talk to Harvey now. We’ll fight one battle at a time, okay?”
    She nodded but couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks.
    He pulled her against him. “If you keep crying, everyone will think I’m being mean to my wife.” She looked up to protest and Joe kissed her. “You know, you have the softest lips, Mrs. Turner. Andyour husband sure does enjoy kissing you. Good thing it’s part of the job.”
    â€œBut no one can see us now. There’s no need—”
    Maria appeared at the door as if on cue. She smiled when she saw Joe’s arms around Ginger.
    â€œOh, hi, Maria,” Joe said with a grin. “We’re just leaving.”
    â€œSí, señor.”
    He turned Ginger around and led her to the door, her hand snug in his. Ginger didn’t protest. For once she felt safe and secure.

Six
    H arvey greeted Ginger with a smile, but his smile didn’t extend to Joe. “What are you doing here, Joe? Are you finally going to discuss the opening with me?”
    â€œNo, Harvey, I’m here to discuss my wife’s schedule with you.”
    Harvey immediately looked at Ginger. “You told me you wanted to continue working. Tell him.”
    Joe sat back and looked at Ginger. He could tell she was sympathetic to Harvey. He hoped she kept her word to him.
    â€œMr. Small, I didn’t realize how much time it would take to…to be Joe’s wife. I can’t work as many hours. I’m very sorry.”
    â€œSo you want Sundays off?”
    Ginger sank her teeth into her bottom lip and looked at Joe. He knew what she wanted. “No, Harvey,” he said calmly. “She’s cutting back to about twenty hours a week.”
    â€œWhat? You can’t do that! I’ll be shorthanded. That’s impossible.” Harvey straightened his shoulders and stared at Joe, as if daring him to do such a thing.
    â€œMy wife has no need to work at all, Harvey. You know that. So it’s your choice. Some or none.”
    â€œGinger,” Harvey began, pleading in his tone, “if you cut back so many hours, I won’t have anyone to fill in. It will be difficult—”
    Joe leaned over and kissed Ginger’s lips as she started to speak. “Honey, you’d best go get started or you’ll be late. I’ll finish the conversation with Harvey.”
    Ginger looked at her watch. “Oh! I didn’t realize it was so late. Sorry, Mr. Small.” She hurried from the office.
    â€œYou did that on purpose!” Harvey accused, staring at Joe.
    â€œYes, I did. You’ve been letting her work too much ever since she started here. If I were you, I’d accept the decision. Otherwise, I’ll convince Ginger to quit altogether and your management practices will receive much closer scrutiny from the club president.”
    With a deep frown, Harvey nodded, which made Joe wonder what else he was doing that was against the rules. Standing to leave, Joe remembered something else. “I’m going to look at the employee parking lot. I’ve heard the lighting isn’t good.”
    â€œIt wasn’t part of the redo. There’s as much lighting as there ever was.”
    â€œYeah. I’ll let you know what I find.”
    Then he walked out.
    Â 
    While they prepared the Yellow Rose Café for lunch, Ginger told Daisy about her change of schedule.
    â€œI’m so glad, Ginger. You were working too much.”
    â€œBut I—I didn’t tell you about the INS because I didn’t want you to get in trouble. I’m not a citizen. I was saving money for when I was sent back to Estonia.”
    â€œBut now that you’ve married Joe, you won’t be sent back. That’s terrific!”
    Ginger wasn’t ready to celebrate. “We have to pass a test.”
    â€œWhat kind of