All or nothing (Love in chaos #1) - Missy Johnson Page 0,26
though she realizes just how ridiculous we look sitting together on a singles’ cruise. The waiter returns with my drinks and places them on the table, then waits expectantly.
“And whatever she's having,” I say, gesturing to the woman.
“Whiskey sour,” she says. I blink at her choice. “No sense being a teetotaler at this point. Go hard or go home, right?”
I smile. If only going home was an option.
“I’m Ben,” I say, offering my hand.
“Claudia,” she replies.
She shakes my hand, her grip surprisingly gentle. I down my first scotch and nurse the second until her whiskey sour shows up, then we clink our glasses together.
“I don't suppose you're here looking for a husband?” I ask.
Why not? It wasn’t like I was going to have any other options, and I admire someone blunt and realistic enough to drink away her twilight years.
She arches a single, thin, gray brow. “You’re looking for a wife?” she asks, and laughs. “On this thing?”
“Not my first choice, I promise,” I mutter. “And I’m sure I’m not the only guy here wife hunting.”
“I smell a story.” She clasps her hands together and waits for me to continue. I hesitate, but then think what the heck. Getting it all out might help ease some of the hopelessness I’m feeling. And it’s not like she can judge me more than I’m judging myself.
“My friend is an asshole,” I begin. Her eyes sparkle with amusement. “I made a stupid bet while I was drunk, it's bottom of the ninth, and I need a wife so I don't lose my company.”
“Ah, so, you're asking me because I’m your last resort?”
“Hey, if you're willing,” I say, shrugging.
She sits back, arms now crossed, and eyes me, like she’s assessing the situation. It reminds me of how I'd look at a new business deal.
“What's in it for me?’
“Well, I've got money, and I'm not too picky about where I spend it,” I reply. “Top shelf whiskey and, I don't know, what do you like? Diamond collars on a purebred poodle?”
She lets out a hearty laugh. “Marrying a man for his whiskey and a show dog. I suppose stranger things have happened, but you really need to work on your schmoozing if you’re going to win this bet.”
“I don't really have the time or the mindset for schmoozing,” I confess, taking another sip.
“You're going to tell me you don't have time?” she challenges, arching a brow again. I can't help but laugh. Claudia is funny. I like that. She sighs and shakes her head, and puts her hand on my arm, leaning in with a conspiratorial grin. “Suck it up and find someone your own age.”
“Bold words for someone who just wheedled me out of a free drink,” I jeer.
She laughs and sits upright. “Drinks and marriage are not the same thing, sugar. If you're looking for a wife… why not try that little lass sitting over at the bar?”
She nods over my shoulder, and I turn to look. My eyes widen, because it’s Louise. She’s sitting facing the bar, nursing what I think is a glass of water. Or a very strong vodka. She definitely wasn’t there when I walked in here. Claudia pats my arm, drawing my attention back. I can tell by the look on her face that I wasn't subtle in my staring.
“Go on, then,” she says with a wink. “She looks like she'd fall for your bullshit.”
I swallow and nod, finishing my drink and setting it down on the table with a couple of bills to cover our tab and a generous tip. I stand and walk over to her, practicing the accent in my head on the way. She’s already called me out once. The last thing I need is to mess it up again.
Fuck me, I’m nervous. It’s a strange feeling, because I've never been anxious talking to women. It's one of my many charming qualities. Then again, I’ve never had this much on the line.
“Louise?” I ask, feigning happy surprise. Her head snaps up from her phone and her eyes widen. She looks just as shocked to see me as I am to see her. I smile widely and sit down beside her. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“Ben.” Her cheeks flush pink, which makes my heart race. “Wow. You’re here. On a seniors’ cruise.”
“So are you,” I point out. “It seems like the universe wants us to keep running into each other.”
I lean against the bar so I’m facing her. She laughs quietly, fingers dragging over the edges