Free Running Wilde (The Winnie Wilde Series Book 1) by Sue Ann Jaffarian, Meg Chambers Page B

very formal and proper manner. While Winnie watched, Trudie removed her right hand from Ben’s shoulder and squeezed his butt with it. Ben slipped his hand down and removed Trudie’s hand, placing it back on his shoulder. This happened a couple of times and each time, Ben made it clear he wasn’t interested. Winnie remembered what Ben had said about middle-aged women who were cougars and how they hunted young men. Trudie was certainly living up to that definition.
    Winnie leaned over to Alice and whispered, “That woman introduced herself to me in the ladies room. She gave me the impression that she and Ben once dated.”
    Alice nodded. “That they did,” she answered, “but I don’t think it lasted very long. She’s a piece of work, that one. An over-aged party girl with no shame, from what I hear.” Alice picked up her cocktail and took a sip.
    “Alice,” Winnie asked, “what’s a MILF?”
    Alice started coughing on the alcohol in her mouth. “What?” she asked when she could speak again.
    “That woman, that Trudie person, she asked if I was Ben’s current MILF and said that she was his last one.”
    Alice stared at her with surprise. “And you have no idea what that means? Where in the world have you been keeping yourself?”
    “In a loveless and suffocating marriage raising two kids,” Winnie answered honestly. “I got the feeling it meant girlfriend.”
    Alice leaned closer and whispered to Winnie. The words caused Winnie’s eyes to bulge. “A mother I’d like to fuck?” Winnie said out loud, then slapped a hand over her mouth. The few people around them who heard her over the music turned to stare, then broke out in laughter as they went back to their business. Winnie snapped her head back to look at Alice. “Seriously?” she asked in a harsh whisper. “Is that what I am to Ben?”
    Alice shook her head back and forth. “Benjamin Church was raised better than that,” she told her. With a jerk of her head, she indicated the dance floor. “That’s what you are to Trudie Levins. That’s how she sees herself and all her competition for male attention. From what Gordon told me, Trudie wasn’t too happy when Ben broke it off and she caused a few scenes. And it looks like she’s looking for trouble tonight, so don’t you go giving her what she wants.” Alice gestured again toward the dance floor where Ben was still trying to control Trudie’s behavior. “After what she said to you, I have no doubt that the little show she’s putting on right now is for your benefit.”
    “When did they break up?” Winnie asked.
    “Just after the holidays, I believe. She showed up here tonight with some young and upcoming musician. Wonder what he thinks of this display?”
    Alice turned to look at Winnie. Seeing her concern, she said, “Don’t worry yourself. From what I’ve seen so far tonight, Winnie, she’s not even in your league.”

 
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    With the list of open houses her realtor had e-mailed in hand, after a leisurely Sunday brunch Winnie and Ben headed out first to a high rise condo in Marina del Rey where there were two units being shown. Both were very modern with great views.
    “What do you think?” Ben asked after they toured both.
    “They both feel cold and devoid of personality,” she answered.
    “Exactly my thoughts,” he said. “Your big house in Cheviot Hills has a lot more character, even if you don’t particularly like it.”
    Next they drove to Venice and looked at a townhouse. It had more charm but still left Winnie unimpressed.
    “If you buy this, I’ll have to install a bigger shower,” Ben had said, nudging her while they inspected the master bath with its tiny shower stall. She giggled in agreement.
    From there they headed to Santa Monica to look at a condo and a house. When they arrived at the condo, another sleek modern white on white prison cell, the realtor, a woman near Winnie’s age sporting an obvious facelift and helmet hair, handed Ben a