From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 366

Mike had been single for over a decade.

His sister, Sarah, always felt a twinge of guilt about it. If she could play matchmaker and find him a partner, it would fulfill their parents' longstanding wish.

7-Eleven was bustling, thanks to its proximity to the local high school where exams were being held. The store was packed, with a long line snaking towards the cashier.

Mike picked up three umbrellas and three bottles of water, preparing to pay, when he spotted a familiar face across the aisle.

It was the young woman he had bumped into last time.

"Hey, fancy meeting you here again," Mike walked up to her with a friendly grin.

The young woman paused for a moment before recognizing him, "Oh, it's you."

They lined up at the cashier together.

Mike chuckled, "You covered my bill last time. Allow me this time."

"No, that's alright, but thank you," she demurred.

"Don't worry about it. If I pay for you today, I'll still help someone else in need next time I'm here," Mike assured her.

With a smile, she conceded, "Well, in that case, I won't argue. Thank you."

"My pleasure," Mike said, paying the cashier.

Stepping outside, Mike continued, "Are you here for the exams as well?"

The young woman looked surprised, "Ah? I don't have kids!"

"Sorry, my bad. You look so young, I assumed you weren't married yet," Mike quickly corrected himself.

She nodded, "That's correct."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Mike, like the archangel Michael. And you are?" Mike extended his hand.

"Violet White, like the color, and the flower," she said, shaking his hand.

Mike found he liked Violet right away, so he ventured, "Would you mind if we exchanged numbers?"

Violet hesitated, then nodded, "Sure."

After exchanging contact info, Mike saw that Violet was 29, seemingly single.

"I've got to run; my niece is just finishing her exams. Let me take you out for dinner sometime," Mike said.

Violet smiled, "Sure, you go ahead."

It was clear where Annie's attention had been - not on her studies, but probably on dating, Betty thought.

Sarah, flattered by the compliments on Annie's looks, responded modestly, "She does alright."

"Mom," Annie approached, umbrella in hand.

Betty scrutinized Annie closer. From afar, she thought Annie looked pretty, but up close, she was stunning.

She had never seen a young girl so beautiful!

"Annie, this is our neighbor, Betty," Sarah introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Betty."

"Likewise," Betty nodded, then turned to Annie, "Heard you had math this afternoon. Was it tough?"

"Not really," Annie responded lightly. Math was her forte, having finished the exam in just an hour.

Betty assumed Annie was just being modest, smiling, "With looks like yours, it's okay if exams don't always go well. Life's long. Don't lose heart! My son's also in there. He's got great grades and is sure to get into a top college. He'll make our family proud!"

Annie frowned slightly at that.