Her Younger Man (A Country Music Romance): a Renny and Rachel Romance by Nancy MacLaren

fries.
    We ate in silence for a few moments before curiosity got the better of me. “Did Renny tell you to keep me company? I assure you I am fine by myself. I’m pretty simple, a 5-star hotel, Jacuzzi tub, room service and cable TV is all I really require.”
    “He wanted me to check in, yeah, but I wanted to talk to you. Alone. Just me and you.”
    “Okay.” This didn’t bode well.
    “I really like you Rachel. We all do.”
    “That’s good. I like you too.” Maybe I wouldn’t after he told me what was on his mind.
    “Good, that’s good, it’s just that I’m a bit worried about Ren. I can read him pretty well, twin thing and all.”
    “Okay.”
    “I’m sure he’s told you about Jasmine and how that all ended.”
    “No, not really. It hasn’t come up.” Other things had but not that.
    “It was a pretty bad scene. Ren took it really hard.”
    “And you’re worried I’m a rebound.”
    “Kind of. I mean… you’re great, like I said, but  ...”
    “I’m not exactly what you had in mind for Renny’s new girlfriend.”
    “It’s not you.”
    “Yes, it is.”
    “I mean, it’s not your personality. I can see why Ren’s infatuated. You’re not like any of the women who hang around us all the time. You’re more like … “
    “Jasmine?”
    “Yeah, she was smart and had depth. Like you.”
    “Except she was closer to his age, is that it?”
    “Yeah. It is a little weird don’t you think? I mean, you’re what, 60?”
    “58.”
    “So you see what I mean.”
    “No, not really. If I were a man and Renny the woman, would my age matter?”
    “Not as much, sure. But see, it’s different ‘cause, you see, Renny’s always wanted a family. That was one of the reasons he and Jas busted up.”
    “You’re afraid if Renny falls in love with me he won’t find anyone the proper age and he’ll never have children. And then he’ll regret it.”
    “See, you’re the best. I told Garrett you’d understand.”
    “So you and Garrett discussed this?”
    “We both want to see Ren happy and he really likes you, I can tell. You guys have a great connection. Ren’s always been attracted to the brainy girls but, really, where can it go.”
    “Reade. It’s been two weeks. Not all women are planning their wedding after a first date.” Which, we had technically never had in any case. “We’re just getting to know each other.”
    “I told Garrett it was just for fun but he seemed to think it was more serious. I’d hate to see either of you hurt.”
    “So you took it upon yourself to remind me of the huge problem standing between us and happily ever after.”
    “Yeah. Kinda.”
    “Thanks so much. You have made this whole awkward situation so much easier. Thanks for coming and eating my lunch and letting me know where you and Garrett weigh in on my relationship with your brother.”
    I stood and walked to the door making it clear that it was time for him to go. He grabbed one last fry and followed me. He turned at the door. “We really think you’re great Rachel. We do.”
    “That makes me feel so much better, I assure you. These old aching bones need a pick-me-up now and then.”
    “Now, you’re upset. I’m sorry. Just … make Renny tell you about his divorce. I think you’ll understand our concerns a bit …”
    “Goodbye Reade,” I said as I slammed the door in his face.
    I didn’t know if I was angry, humiliated or scared. Probably a mish-mash of all three. I paced the room trying to process everything Reade had said. What did Renny’s divorce, which was over 2 years ago, have to do with our relationship? I had not gotten to the point of thinking about any kind of future with Renny. Much. I was reveling in the moment. Maybe I hadn’t wanted to think about a future with him because deep down I knew there was no future with him. This was all fun and games until he found Ms. Right and then it would be good-bye Rachel, hello new family.
    Of course. That made sense. Nothing about our