Chapter Seven
As Beautimus browsed the stall “Mary’s Berries and Jerry’s Cherries,” she noticed a group of praying mantis people on a patch of lawn feasting on grapes and honey. One of them, a pretty female named Petunia, had eyes for Samuel, and even though he did his best to maintain his reputation as a free-spirited party bug, Samuel returned Petunia’s attraction. Beautimus liked Petunia, and thought it a splendid idea to help things along between Samuel and the sweet female mantis. She’d hoped if he found a mate, maybe he’d cease being so damned obnoxious about women.
“Would you mind if I dropped you off with the Mantis Tribe so I can do a little shopping on my own, Sam? I’ll pick you up in a short while.”
Samuel eyed Petunia. “You betcha, Bea. Take your time.”
He groomed himself a
