Page 32 of The Deal Maker

I know how to work hard and how to do stuff, I just get bored. That's not a recipe for a winning future in anyone's eyes.

But I'm trying. Trying to stay focused and engaged with something that's fun.

To be honest, if Maggie and Hope hadn't started The Candy Jar, it would've been fun to do something like that. Any ideas likethat would've been met with disapproval from my parents that I needed to grow up and get a real job. Not that they’re loving what I’m doing now, but it seems more grownup and official.

I walk into my parents' home through the back door. The kitchen is clean and all the dishes are done, but when I open the microwave, I find a plate piled high.

"Thanks for dinner, Mom," I call out. She comes bustling into the kitchen.

"You're welcome, dear. Sit down. How did your day go?"

That's an interesting place to start. "It was good. I worked on a couple of tasks for that scavenger hunt the mayor is putting on. And then I went to work and sent a few couples over to the presentation tomorrow morning."

"You're doing the hunt? How do you have time for that, Duke?" she asks.

"The store doesn't open until later, so I have time to get it done before that."

"Did you get paired up with Coop? That boy can be such a ball of energy, but he's a good egg."

I have to do everything I can to keep back a laugh. My mom has always been of the opinion that we shouldn't ever speak badly of someone. So when she figures out that she's said something even slightly negative, she'll amend it with something more positive. Usually eggs.

Shaking my head, I take off the aluminum foil from the plate. Barbecue chicken, a baked potato and some vegetables.

"This smells amazing. Thanks for saving me some." I take my time, cutting into pieces of chicken.

"Well? Who's your partner?" she asks.

"Her name is Maggie Dean. She and Hope opened The Candy Jar next door to my building."

My mother's eyes light up like a Christmas tree at the news of a woman in my life. Little does she know how much Maggie detests me.

“Hope’s cousin, right? Didn’t you used to have a crush on her?”

I stop my fork before my mouth, not sure what to do. It’s like my inner computer has decided to crash.

“What?” I say, waiting for an answer.

“You used to play pranks on each other and I thought I saw a note to her at one point in your room.” My mom tries to look innocent, but she’s the ultimate snoop. At least she doesn’t spread the news to the rest of the town.

Shaking my head, I say, “I’m not sure I remember any of that.”

"It was a long time ago. She owns the store with Hope? That’s incredible. She’s the kind of woman you need to cozy up to, Duke." She winks at me and I try to keep from rolling my eyes as I focus on the food in front of me.

"I'll get there, Mom." This is an old argument we've had for what feels like decades.

"I'm just saying that it would be nice to be a grandmother sometime soon."

I shove a forkful of veggies in my mouth just to give me some time to think.

"Lizzy Jackson was talking to us in the hardware store today. She just moved back and will be tailoring dresses at the shop. The two of you always got along well."

I give her a forced smile and keep chewing. Maybe I should've just survived on crackers instead of the interrogation about my dating life.

"I know you don't feel ready for all that, but I know you can do it. Your dad and I got married at nineteen and you came alongsoon after. Life is hard. It's nice to have someone to go through it with you."

Another head nod is all I can manage. I'm not sure what's going on or why everything in my life is suddenly relationships and dating, but it needs to stop. Take the day off.

"I'll get there, Mom. It's a different world out there right now. And I don't think there are a ton of women who would want to date a guy who can't make up his mind on a career and what he really wants."

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