The Grooms

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“There’s my boy”. And those icy green eyes were warm, his mouth went soft, Armstrong leaned against the counter and grinned “ Hey grandma, what are you up to?”.

“Some would say no good” Annie tiny sharp voice boomed out. “Don’t you return your message?” I’ve talked to your bloody machine half a dozen times in the last few days. Your grandpa wanted to fly down to make sure you were dead in your bed”. Armstrong only lifted a brow. It was well known that Annie used her serene husband whenever she wanted to nag the children.

“I’ve been working”

“Good, that’s very good but you can take a break now then, can’t you?”

“I’m taking one now”

“I’ve a favour to ask you Armstrong, I don’t like to do it.” Annie let out a heavy sigh that had her grandson’s brows knitting.

“What do you need grandma?”

“You won’t like it, God knows I won’t blame you. But I’m in a bit of a fix. Your aunt Rose ….”

“Is she alright?” Armstrong straighten up from the counter. Rose was his grandfather oldest and dearest friend, his godmother and an honourable member of the family, Armstrong adore her, and he remembered he hadn’t seen her since his return to Washington.

“Oh she’s perfectly healthy my dear, don’t worry about that, the woman is feisty as ever, but she has another godchild i doubt you remember her, you’d met her once or twice when you were younger..Lin Benson?”.

Concentrating, Armstrong got a vogue image of a little girl. “What about her?”.

“She’s back in Washington. You know Benson’s department store?. That’s her family, and she’s working in the store there now. And as for Rose well, I’m just going to say it straight up. There’s a charity event tomorrow evening and Rose is fussing because the girl doesn’t have an escort. She has been all over me asking me to ask you “

“Damn grandma”

“I know right” Annie used her most long suffering sigh. “Women boy, what else can i say. We’ll peck away like duck until we get what we want. I told her I would ask you, it would be a big headache for me if you don’t miss this event.

“ if you and aunt Rose is trying to set me up….”

Annie interrupted with a hearty laugh that had Armstrong frowning. “Not this one boy, this girl ain’t for you, take my word for it, she’s very pretty and has good manners , but she’d never do for you. Too cool to my way of thinking and a bit of the nose in the air sort. No, no i wouldn’t like to see you in that direction. And if you can’t spare sometime for the evening event, I’ll just tell Rose that i reached out too late and that you already got plans”.

“Tomorrow night?” Armstrong scooped his fingers through his hair. He hates charity functions “is it black tie” “I’m afraid so” Annie makes sympathetic noises. “Tell you what, I’ll just call Rose back and tell her guy can’t make it, no need wasting your time with a girl who’s likely to bore you out, is there? I doubt that the two of you have the slightest thing in common. Better start looking for a wife boy, it’s time you get Married and settled, i and your grandpa worries you’ll need up starving in your studio. A lonely old bachelor without a single chick or child by his side. I’ve got another girl in mind. She’s”.

“I’ll do it” Armstrong quickly interrupted. If Annie didn’t think more of Rose goddaughter, it means he won’t be on the phone constantly asking for a relationship update. Perhaps after this favor, his grandma might seize of her relentless pressure on him about marriage and though Armstrong didn’t hold much weight on that outcome it was worth a try. “What time tomorrow and where can i pick Miss what’s her name again up?”

“Oh bless you, I owe for this one, The brimstone’s at seven o clock, at the the sliver hotel, Lin’s taken over her family