The next thing he knew, he heard Grams carrying on quite a conversation about his love life, or lack thereof.
Sheesh. Couldn’t the woman let his single status rest for an entire day without mentioning it?
Besides, it wasn’t like he had a lot of dating prospects lining up at the gate to the ranch.
“Did you see any likely contenders?” Marsha asked. The only reason he knew she was the one doing the speaking was because she’d been raised in Boston and spoke with a different accent than the others.
“Not yet, but I’m hopeful. Originally, I planned this trip as a fun way to celebrate my birthday with JJ, but the more I researched cruises leading to romance, the more I hoped the trip would help him meet someone special,” Grams said, sounding … sad.
The particular subject of his getting married and having kids to carry on family legacies had been a much-belabored topic last year when he’d visited Grams. He thought he’d convinced her to let it rest—that love would find him when the time was right—but he’d obviously been mistaken that she’d taken his words to heart.
Cautiously, JJ cracked open an eye and saw the four women occupying two of the lounges, facing each other with notepads and pens in hand as though they were in a boardroom about to make a major executive decision.
He would have groaned in misery if it wouldn’t have given away the fact that he was listening to a conversation that made him increasingly uncomfortable.
Feigning a soft snore, he hoped to find out what covert plans they were making so he could figure out a way to thwart them.
“With the four of us dogging his every step, it shouldn’t be any trouble at all for him to find a girl,” Trudy said, recognizable by her relentlessly sarcastic tone.
“Let’s encourage him to spend time with Wynn. Together, they might make their way to where single young women are gathering,” Shirley said, ever the diplomatic member of the group.
The discussion continued for a few minutes, with ideas of places he could meet women who weren’t alcoholics and devoid of all morals while still having fun.
“It’s such a shame Skippy isn’t more attractive. A homely little thing like him with his frail frame and pale skin and lack of intelligence really can’t expect much,” Trudy said in a snarky tone.
JJ couldn’t help but wince, and all four women burst into laughter. Sheepishly, he opened his eyes, and his grandmother reached back, swatting him with her beach hat.
“How long were you awake?” Grams asked.
JJ sat up and eyed the meddling menaces before he rose to his feet. “Long enough to know I’m not taking any of your suggestions when it comes to after-dinner activities this evening. When I’m ready to get married, I will, Grams. Don’t push it. Just enjoy your trip and stop worrying about my love life.”