“That doesn’t mean I want to get back together with him,” Sariah insisted.

“Would you at least consider being his friend? He’s going through a tough time right now. His grandmother is struggling, and I know he hates to see her in pain.”

“Of course, we already are friends.”

“I think Kane could really benefit from some extra support from you.”

Sariah nodded. “I can see that.”

“He needs you to stick by his side and help him through this trying time.”

“Maybe I’ll give him a call today and see if he wants to do something.”

Her grandma picked up her phone from the side table and handed it to Sariah with a devious smile. “Now’s a great time to do that.”

Sariah laughed. “Okay. If you insist.” She searched the contacts on her phone until she found Kane’s number. She’d gotten it last year when they’d been in a group text for one of the weddings they’d both been in.

She dialed his number, glancing over at her grandma, who had a look of glee on her face. Sariah bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling. Her grandma was a little too excited about this phone call.

“Hey, Kane. It’s Sariah.” Of course he knew that. Her name would have popped up on his caller ID. If he’d put her in his phone, that is.

“Hey there.”

Her grandma was staring intently at her like she was hanging on her every word. “I know you’re probably busy, and it’s silly that I’m calling, but I thought I’d check in with you and see how you’re doing.”

“I’m doing all right. How are you?”

Sariah found herself rambling. “My grandma brought over blueberry muffins for me this morning, so I’m in a great mood.” Why was she so nervous talking to him? They used to be so close.

Kane chuckled. “Grandma-made blueberry muffins are pretty magical.”

And this was coming from a guy who could afford to eat at the most expensive bakeries in New York City. It warmed her heart to hear the love he had in his voice for grandmas everywhere. “Definitely.” Her heart pounded, and she couldn’t figure out how to slow it down. “I know you’ve been having a hard time with your grandpa’s death. I hope you know I’m here for you.”

Kane paused for a moment, and Sariah wondered if she’d caught him off guard. “That’s really nice of you, Sariah.” His voice was soft and tender, and it did something funny to her insides.

Her grandma mouthed the words “Go on” and waved a hand toward her.

Sariah pressed her lips together to keep from giggling at her grandma’s behavior. She reminded her of her friends in middle school when she called her crush for the first time. They’d been up late giggling at a sleepover, and someone had dared her to call him. She’d ended up waking him up. She’d panicked and hung up on him after she’d gotten out two words. The entire experience had been a disaster. She could hardly face him after that. Until they dared her to call him again at the next slumber party. Her friends were merciless. Her grandma was no better.

She gained her composure. “What do you have going on today?” Why did she feel so nervous all of a sudden? She blamed her grandma for putting too much pressure on her.

“My parents just came in town. We’re going through my grandpa’s things, trying to divvy up who gets what.”

Her grandma got up and headed to the kitchen. “I’m just going to grab a cup of coffee,” she whispered to Sariah.

Sariah nodded at her before turning her attention back to her conversation with Kane. “That sounds really hard. Would you like any help?”

“You want to help us?” Kane seemed surprised by her offer.

“Sure. I can roll up my sleeves like the best of them, and it sounds like you have a lot of work to do.”

“It’s actually more work than you’d think.”

“How’s that?” Sariah asked.

“My grandma decided yesterday she wants to sell her house and move to one of those senior living communities.”

“Really?” Sariah asked, stunned. “I thought she would live in that house until the day she died. This all feels so sudden. Do you think it’s the grief talking?”