Christmas at the Grande Pearl by Naima Joseph

Author:Naima Joseph
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781954427013
Publisher: In DisQovery Press

CHAPTER 6

Joe adjusted his coat collar for what seemed like the hundredth time. He was uncomfortable standing in the lobby of The Pearl on his day off.

“I didn’t expect to see you back here until tomorrow,” Mr. Arthur said as he waved hello.

“Mrs. McFarland’s niece, Ms. Josephine, is lending a hand with decorating. I’m escorting her around the city to find the perfect decorations for the event room.”

He hated feeling as if he needed to give an explanation.

“Joe, you sound guiltier than a five-year-old caught with his hand in the cookie jar,” Mr. Arthur said cutting through his excuse. “I heard you laughing with that young lady last night. She’s more than Bitter Beatrice’s niece and you know it.”

Joe was too stunned to speak. He didn’t need anyone in the building making incorrect assumptions about his relationship with Josie. He didn’t want anyone thinking poorly of her, and he wanted to retain his professional distance from the residents.

“Here they come,” Mr. Arthur said, pointing to Josie walking their way, slowly to accommodate Mrs. McFarland.

“You look good without the uniform,” Josie said to him as a greeting.

“Miss,” he responded and nodded. “Mrs. McFarland, good morning.”

“Hello, Joseph. I understand you will be taking my grandniece on a date about town.”

Joe stumbled over his words as he tried to quickly correct Mrs. McFarland.

“Geez, Joe, you don’t have to declare to the world this isn’t a date,” Josie said. Her cheerful brown eyes told him she wasn’t offended. “A lesser woman would think you didn’t like her,” she continued. “Good thing I know you do.”

“Beatrice, you have Joe red under his collar. Are you too old to remember how nervous a man gets on a first date with a woman he really likes?” Mr. Arthur said.

Joe could feel the steam coming off Ms. McFarland.

“You, sir, are a series of names too unfit for polite company,” she scolded Mr. Arthur.

“Say it, Bitter Beatrice. Say I get on your nerves.”

“Oh, you…you…you ultracrepidarian.” She huffed.

“Auntie! Mr. Arthur, stop it both of you,” said Josie. “Joe and I are on our way out. You two behave yourselves.”

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