Page 100 of Fauxmance

Hayden shook his head as he leaned closer.

"Who else—"

"Magnolia," he murmured.

"Hmm?"

I lifted my chin, and his hand slipped into my hair. My eyes closed just as his nose brushed against mine. The closeness and feel of him was so right. I just—

A throat cleared.

Hayden slowly pulled away with a barely audible groan.

"Yes, grandma?" he said. "Did you need something?"

"Pardon the interruption," Constance Davenport said, and if I wasn't mistaken there was a bit of mischief in her eyes as she looked between the two of us. "This will only take a moment. Magnolia, I was wondering if you'd like to come have tea with me."

The request was so unexpected it took me a moment to process.

"You-you're asking me to tea?" I repeated.

"Yes, that's what I said. Would you like to come? Maybe on Monday at noon?"

I blinked. "I have school at that time."

Constance chuckled. "Oh, that's right! How about after school then? Right when you get out, we can have a late tea. What do you say?"

I must've stood frozen for a beat too long because her tone lost some of its warmth.

"Or maybe you'd rather not sit down with an old woman?"

"You're not old, Gigi," Hayden said.

"Tell that to my aching back," she muttered then fluttered her hand at me. "Well? What's your answer, Magnolia? You're more than welcome to decline. Just know, I may not make the offer again."

"I'd love to have tea with you, Mrs. Davenport," I said. "Really, I would. Tea and biscuits are some of my favorite things. It's just that I volunteer after school, and—"

"Oh good," she said, cutting me off. "We'll figure out the details later. Here's my card with the address. Hayden, come give me a hug, and then I'll let you two get back to it."

After they separated, Constance looked at me.

"I'll see you soon," she said.

She left us there, and I didn't know who was more surprised. Afterward, Hayden drove me home, and we both sat there in a bit of a daze. Before I got out of the car, he said, "I could come if you want. To the tea."

"No thanks," I said. "We'll be fine."

"You're sure?"

"Yes." I smiled at the look of dismay on his face. "Hayden, it's just your grandma."

"I know," he said. "I'll have my phone on in case you need me."

Ruby and Amanda were both staring as I completed the story.

"That's really what he said?" Ruby asked.

I nodded.

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