Page 119 of Every Chance After

“No, I’ve only heard good things. ‘Bout time he got his act together.”

“Well, it’s hard to imagine his pain, losing his love, especially like that,” I say gently. “Fixing the place up has been his tribute to her. You should come by and see it sometime.”

Mack huffs. “He won’t want to see me.”

“I think he would. He wants to reconcile. He just doesn’t know how. He asks about you and Carmela, you know.”

Mack’s eyes snap to mine. “He does?”

“All the time, when he knows I’ve seen you or if Marigold’s around.”

“Well, wonders never cease,” he breathes.

“Your family is a wonder,” I chuckle. “I love all of you, even the outliers with their rough edges and bad reputations. You’re all teddy bears.”

“We’re a motley bunch, for sure. I’m not sure about teddy bears, though,” Mack laughs.

Grady soon finishes his work, gives his father instructions for Buck Rogers’ care, and then smiles when he says, “I’ll send you the bill—I’m charging double for interrupting my date.”

“In that case, put it on my tab, son. Thanks for taking care of Buck. Y’all have a nice time.”

Our date resumes with little time lost. He refuses to tell me where we’re going, but I’m excited to solve the mystery. In downtown Wilmington, Grady parks on a quaint street of eclectic shops and takes me to the Game Café, a cute and cozy coffee shop with games at every table.

“Oh, my gosh, Grady,” I beam as we scan the options. “This is… so ME!”

“Yep, how about chess?” He motions to an empty table for two by the front window.

My shoulders slump. “You won’t believe this, but that’s theonegame I don’t know how to play.”

He’s shocked. “What? You call yourself a keen strategist and don’t know how to play chess?”

I groan. “I could’ve learned, I guess. Wanted to. But it seems like such a beautiful, intimate game. It felt wrong learning it on YouTube.”

“It’s much better learning with a partner.” His hand slips in mine and pulls me to the table. “Play with me, Marina?”

“Oh, Grady, I love it when you talk dirty to me.”

He laughs and blushes—score for Marnie!

We order fancy coffees and chocolate treats, and he teaches me, sweetly and patiently, how to play the game of all games. I get giddy and clap whenever I make a smart move and melt into my chair when I don’t.

I’m an expert by our third round, determined to beat him.

But then he says, “Tell me aboutThe Sound of Music.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

Grady

“What?”she asks, smile gone.

“The Sound of Music. What happened at that play?”

Her head tilts as she examines the board, clearly bothered. “Your family hasn’t told you?”

“No, I didn’t ask. I’d rather find out from you. I mean, if you don’t mind talking about it.”

She leans back, scrutinizing me with her soft blue eyes and debating it. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up. I don’t want anything to ruin this date.

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