“Here’s our chef extraordinaire, Hollie!” Maria announced proudly.
The rowdy group of silver-haired grandmothers turned to beam at Hollie. “Hi Hollie! We love your cooking!” they chorused.
“You even improved on Joe’s secret sauce!” a woman hooted. “His hot sauce was pretty awesome to begin with, but you made it awesomesauce!”
The ladies heaped praises on her, and Hollie stammered her thanks. She wasn’t used to being lavished with so much attention, kindness and praise. She could feel herself blushing furiously, and she squirmed a little.
But a very warm and wonderful feeling was blooming inside her. Hollie’s shy smile grew wide and radiant.
It felt really, really good to be recognized for her work and her talents. She was given full credit for her work. Neither Maria nor Joe tried to take the credit away from her. They were supportive and proud of her. Maria put one arm around Hollie, and at that moment, Hollie felt as though she had a big sister. Joe and Maria were like the big brother and sister she never had.
It felt so amazing to be around friendly faces and kind, encouraging people.
Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes. As Hollie discreetly dabbed away her tears, she turned and saw Kyle.
Kyle was still sitting in his booth, with a cup of coffee and a stack of paperwork in front of him. He grinned at her and gave her the thumbs-up. He had gone to his car, grabbed some files and returned to the diner.
He had been sitting in the diner for hours. While she worked in the kitchen, he had been sitting out here, patiently waiting for her and supporting her. He did his work quietly and didn’t get in her way. He was looking out for her while giving her the space to do her job and be herself.
Hollie smiled at Kyle and saw the love shining in his eyes. Was this amazing, incredibly handsome man truly hers?
Maria’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Hollie, these beautiful ladies are the Ballsy Hookers,” Maria said, gesturing at the giggling grandmothers.
“Oh..” Hollie blinked rapidly.
One of the elderly ladies winked and said, “Do you know what we love to do?”
“We love grabbing big balls!” another woman yelled.
“And we’re really skilled with long, hard rods!”
Everyone laughed and the risque comments and bawdy jokes began to fly back and forth among the women.
Hollie smiled. She was getting the drift.
“Are those big balls you love...made of yarn?” Hollie asked, smirking at them.
“Ah yes. You got it, sweetie!”
“The Ballsy Hookers...” Hollie’s smile widened to a grin. “That’s a really great name for a knitting club!”
The women cackled mischievously. “You got us figured out, Hollie. But we’re not as naughty as we make ourselves out to be.”
“Oh they’re badasses,” Maria said.
Each of the Ballsy Hookers introduced themselves, and Hollie committed all their names to memory. She liked them. They were funny, whip-smart and they had a real wacky sense of humor.
One of them peered at Hollie over the top of her glasses and gasped. “You are Kyle’s mate!”
Hollie immediately touched her neck.
“Yeah, you’re right, Jodie, I see his mark too,” another lady said.
“My goodness, why didn’t he tell us he was mated?” Jodie shook her head. “I’ve been hounding him to go on a date with my granddaughter. Kyle is a good man, and I know that he’ll make a great husband and father. I’m just so eager to have a few cute, adorable great-grandbabies to play with!”
Hollie didn’t know what to say. She didn’t even know why she was feeling jealous all of a sudden. She didn’t want Kyle to go on a date with Jodie’s granddaughter. She didn’t want to think of him with any other woman.
He was hers!
She glanced at Kyle. It was no surprise that women would be beating a path to his door. He was sexy, strong and very attractive. He was also a great provider and protector. He would make a wonderful mate.
Hollie took a deep breath. She had no right to be jealous. No right at all.
Jodie was peering knowingly at Hollie. “Kyle is mated, and he is off limits. The mate bond is sacred. Every shifter knows that.”
She chuckled and added, “Many of the Ballsy Hookers are shifters. And we are regulars at The Maverick Mechanics. Your mate and his friends are wonderful mechanics. Those sexy boys take great care of our cars. They make our cars purr.”
“Kyle is sitting right there,” Maria deadpanned.
As one, the Ballsy Hookers all turned and waved at Kyle. “Hi Kyle!”
Kyle raised his cup at them. Hollie was surprised that they didn’t rain questions on Kyle. Instead, they simply resumed their own conversation and chatted with Hollie.
Jodie noticed Hollie’s quizzical look and said, “Kyle’s mating is his business. We tease and joke, but we don’t pry. Since he didn’t share the news, he must have his own reasons. Everyone is entitled to his or her privacy. Besides, he can hear everything we’re saying.”
When Hollie’s eyes rounded, Jodie winked and tapped her ear. “Shifter senses.”