Page 20 of Just Say Yes

“Oh.” Grandpa stopped short, suddenly flustered. He dragged a hand across the wiry white hairs on the top of his head. “I didn’t expect to run into her so soon.”

I looked from my grandfather to the line of patrons waiting to order. His attentive gaze was settled on a tiny little thing at the register. She was petite and appeared to be about my grandfather’s age, with long silvery hair tied neatly in a no-nonsense knot at the nape of her neck.

Based on the rigidity of her shoulders and the wide-eyed stare of the kid behind the counter, the woman meant business.

My grandpa’s hand gripped my forearm. “How do I look?”

I smiled. “Like a million bucks.”

He nodded. “Now it probably won’t come up since we’re not townies and all, but if you’re pressed, it’s probably easier to just say that you’re with the Kings.”

I looked down at him, utterly confused.

“Old rivalry in town,” he explained in a whisper. “The drama is all but dead now, but Greta is a bit old-fashioned. It used to be if you were a townie, you picked a side, Sullivan or King. And Greta has always beenfirmlyplanted on the Kings’ side.” His eyes shot to mine in warning. “Don’t mess this up for me.”

I started to laugh but stifled it with a cough when his piercing gaze held mine. “Yes—yes, sir,” I muttered.

When the woman moved to the side to wait for her order, my grandfather stepped up, gathering his courage to greet her. “Well, Greta, it’s a pleasure seeing you here.”

The woman turned, and her hard features softened immediately. “Oh, Arthur, this is a surprise.”

Her smile widened, crinkling her eyes at the edges. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Spending the day with my grandson, Logan.” Grandpa’s hand thumped on my back.

“How nice,” she answered, holding out her hand for me to shake.

“It’s lovely to meet you.” I gently embraced her hand, surprised by her firm grip.

My grandfather stepped forward, holding out the wrapped book. “I happened to be in the bookstore and thought you might like this.”

She looked down at the book, and I swear the stern old woman actually blushed. Her hand fluttered to the golden locket around her neck.

“Oh my, Arthur. That’s so kind of you.” She accepted the book with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Tiny? Your order is ready.” A pretty blond woman with soft brown eyes held out a small white bag for her.

Greta nodded curtly and accepted the bag. “Thank you, Sylvie.” She turned back to my grandfather and me and smiled. “Arthur, Logan, have a good day.”

My grandfather watched Greta all the way out the door. I stared in awe of a lovestruck man.

I shook my head in disbelief.

I’d never been in one place long enough to worry about things likelong-term commitments.Besides, there was nothing wrong with having a good time with a variety of people.

Live and let live—I’d learned there was a whole lot less collateral damage that way.

Finally, as Greta disappeared out of view, I cleared my throat. “Are you ready for that coffee?”

“Ah.” My grandfather swatted his hand in the air between us. “No need. I’m good. Let’s keep walking.”

The rest of the afternoon, I enjoyed some much-needed time with my favorite person. Slowly the tension and frustration of a losing offseason started to wane.

Grandpa shared stories about the friends he had made at Haven Pines, the hot gossip down the hall from him, and how he had met Greta when she was visiting her older sister at the facility. It seemed everyone in town called her Ms. Tiny.

We walked at a meandering pace, stopping when Grandpa felt tired, but it wasn’t often. I was pleasantly surprised at how much energy he still seemed to have.

“Are you seeing any friends while you’re around?” he asked. Grandpa knew that the offseason was often the only time I had to catch up with friends who weren’t my teammates.

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