This Matter Of Marriage. Debbie Macomber

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      “It is,” he argued. “I’m getting to know you by asking questions. What’s wrong with that?” He made another notation, writing furiously.

      “What was that?” she demanded.

      “Attitude. I’m beginning to have my doubts about you in that category.”

      Hallie pushed aside her half-eaten salad. “You have your doubts. Listen, buster, I’m not answering another question. This is ridiculous—a woman wants to be wanted for who she is, not what she has to offer in the way of good genes!”

      Her outburst appeared to unsettle him. “But you’ve rated the highest of anyone.”

      It was a sad commentary on the state of her ego that she was flattered by this. “Thank you, I appreciate that, but I refuse to spend the entire evening talking about my grandmother’s arthritis.” Now was as good a time as any to break the news. “I’m sorry, Marv, but I don’t think this is going to work.”

      “I wouldn’t be so quick to say that. Although your attitude is a bit problematic, I find myself liking you. Once we know each other better, you’ll value the effort I went through to gauge our compatibility.”

      “I believe I’ve already gauged it. Unfortunately, we aren’t the least bit compatible.” She tried to be gentle, to tell him in a way that left him with his pride intact. “I have my own test, so to speak, and I can tell that a relationship between us simply isn’t going to work.”

      “You’re sure?”

      “Yes.” For emphasis she nodded.

      Marv didn’t blink, didn’t even put up a token resistance. Instead, he closed his pad, placing it inside his suit jacket, and refolded his printout. “Well, then,” he said, “I’m relieved you recognized it this soon. You’ve saved us both a considerable amount of time and effort.”

      Hallie congratulated herself for not rolling her eyes.

      Neither spoke, and before long Marv reached for his pad again. Now he seemed to be jotting down numbers—but Hallie didn’t ask.

      Finally he glanced up. “You might be interested in knowing that out of a possible one hundred points, you scored a seventy-six for the opening interview.”

      “Really?” She’d be sure and let her next date know that.

      “But I have to agree—it wouldn’t work.”

      Their dinner arrived, and Hallie savored the silence as much as she did the blackened salmon. Marv seemed equally engrossed in his meal; in a restaurant noted for its steak and seafood, he’d ordered liver and onions.

      After declining dessert, Hallie decided to turn the conversational tables on him. “What about your family’s medical history?” she asked. It wouldn’t surprise her if there was a case or two of mental illness.

      “Fit as a fiddle. I have one grandfather who lived to be ninety.”

      “Longevity runs in the family, then?”

      “On my maternal side. It’s difficult to say about the paternal.” The waiter brought the bill and Marvin grabbed it. “Unfortunately, very little is known about my father’s people.” He launched into a lengthy dissertation on what he’d managed to learn thus far. Ten minutes into it, Hallie yawned.

      Marvin stopped midsentence and pulled out a pocket calculator. “Did you have three or four of the crab-stuffed mushrooms?”

      “I beg your pardon?”

      “The appetizer,” he said, his finger poised above the calculator keypad.

      “Three.”

      “You’re sure?”

      “Was I supposed to have counted?”

      “Why, yes.” He appeared surprised that she’d ask.

      Hallie stared in shock as he tallied the dinner bill and stated, “Your half comes to forty-five dollars and thirteen cents, including tip.”

      “My half?”

      “Why should I pay for your dinner?” he asked. “You said yourself that we’re incompatible.”

      “Yes, but…you asked me out.”

      “True. Nevertheless, it was with the unspoken agreement that this date was between two people interested in pursuing a relationship. You aren’t interested, therefore, your half of the dinner bill comes to…” He appeared to have forgotten and looked down at his calculator.

      “Forty-five dollars and thirteen cents,” she supplied.

      “That includes your portion of the tip.”

      Disgusted, Hallie picked up her purse. It wouldn’t do any good to argue. Luckily she had two twenties and, yes, a five, which she kept hidden for emergencies. The thirteen cents practically wiped her out.

      With nothing more to say, they left soon afterward.

      Hallie heard the car well before the valet drove it into view. She glanced at Marv, wondering if he’d ignore the clanking sound this time. He did.

      Rather than point it out again, Hallie climbed inside and steeled herself for a long uncomfortable ride home. She wasn’t far from wrong. When they reached the interstate the engine noise had intensified until even Marv couldn’t miss it.

      “What was that?” he demanded, as if she was somehow responsible for the racket.

      “Your car?” She was unable to avoid the sarcasm.

      “I know it’s the car.”

      “There’s no need to worry,” she said, parroting his words, “your vehicle’s in perfect running order, remember?”

      “Correct. Nothing could possibly be wrong.” Then he cursed and pulled off to the side of the freeway. Smoke rose from underneath the hood, billowing into the night.

      “Oh, dear,” Hallie murmured. This didn’t look good. The way things were going, he’d probably make her pay for half the tow truck, too.

      Marv slammed his fist against the steering wheel. “Now look what you’ve done.”

      “Me?” Of all the things he’d said, this was the limit. The final insult. “I have a few questions for you,” she snapped. “When was the last time this car had an oil change? A tune-up? Did you bother with antifreeze this winter?”

      Marv leapt out of the car and slammed his door.

      Hallie got out, too, shutting hers just as hard.

      He glared at her over the top of the hood. “I don’t find your attempts at humor the least bit amusing.”

      “The biggest joke of the night was my agreeing to go out with you!” The cold wind whipped past her and she tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat. СКАЧАТЬ