Read Online Back In the Game by Holly Chamberlin - Free Book Online Page B

“you’re fully aware this relationship isn’t going to last?”
    â€œOf course I’m aware. But I don’t get the sense that Alfonse is going anywhere soon. I think he’s going to be my summer companion.”
    I wondered.
    â€œI hope you have some other activities planned,” I said. “Just in case the young man disappears before Labor Day. Besides, you can’t stay in bed all day having sex.”
    Or could you? I wouldn’t know.
    Grace frowned. “Actually, I’m not sure what I’m going to do this summer. Now that I don’t have Simon to babysit.”
    â€œMake sure you keep it that way,” Laura admonished. “Don’t let him come sneaking back.”
    â€œSimon doesn’t sneak. He barges in. He’s not subtle.” Grace turned to me. “What about you, Nell? What do you have lined up for the summer?”
    Ah, the first step of my new life.
    â€œI’m hereby letting it be known that I am an available single woman. I’ve already notified my colleagues on the museum and symphony committees and they’re on watch for an eligible man.”
    â€œGood for you,” Jess said.
    â€œWhy don’t you sign up with a dating service?” Laura asked.
    How could my sister begin to understand the horror I felt at the prospect of letting strangers arrange my romantic life?
    â€œI am absolutely not putting an ad in a paper or signing up for an online dating service or going through any other channel but my friends,” I said. “I’m willing to be introduced to a man through a friend or colleague. It’s the only way I can handle this—this whole new world.”
    â€œOkay,” Jess said. “So, what are your requirements? You know, in case I meet anyone in my vast and exciting travels on the T.”
    â€œJust a few,” I said. “He can’t be too old.” I looked pointedly at Grace. “And he can’t be too young. Can you imagine what my children would think of me if I went out with a twenty-one-year-old?”
    â€œThis is not about your kids,” Jess pointed out. “This is about you.”
    I sighed. “There is no real me apart from my kids. Not entirely. But I know what you mean. Anyway, he can have kids of his own, of course. He can be divorced. Who isn’t divorced these days? I would be happy to go on a first date, gather some important details, and then decide if I want to see him again.”
    â€œWhat kind of details?” Laura asked.
    â€œWell,” I said, “for example, does he talk about his job incessantly? Does he consider his children more of a burden than a joy? Is his ex-wife horrid? And if she is, does he take the high road and keep his mouth shut, or does he talk badly about her to anyone who will listen? Things like that, important things. Widowers are fine, too, again, depending on the details.”
    â€œLike an obsession with his dead wife,” Jess suggested.
    â€œYes, like that.”
    â€œAnything else?”
    â€œYes,” I said. “Financial solvency. I am absolutely not supporting a man. Good health, within reason. Good grooming habits. I refuse to teach a man how to trim his nose hair. Intelligence is a must. A sophisticated sense of humor is also a must. No little-boy toilet humor for me. Good moral character, of course. Brown eyes would be nice.”
    Jess laughed, finally. “Is that all? Piece of cake. I meet a million perfect men every day of the week. You’ll be married before the end of the month.”
    â€œOh, I’m not saying I want to get married. Yet. Maybe ever. I just think I should go on a few dates. I just think I should see what it feels like to have dinner with a man other than Richard.”
    Laura beamed. “I think it’s a great idea.”
    â€œAre you nervous about being back in the game?” Grace asked.
    â€œLadies,” I announced, “I’m