Page 43 of Mr. July

“Come meet Daisy and the rest of the animals. Any chance you are looking for a cat?”

“I work too much.”

“Do you need the money, Gran?” Concern furrowed my brow. I knew Pop’s medical bills must’ve made quite a dent. Maybe I should give Gran back her money…if I ever get my own money back from Mr. Esquire.

She waved me off. “The work keeps my mind sharp. I enjoy it.”

“I’d love to visit you at work next time I visit. Maybe at the end of summer?”

“That would be lovely. Oh, that reminds me, my boss is having a company BBQ for the 4th. Family is invited and well, since you’re my family dear, I’d be delighted if you came.”

“I can’t Gran. I need to stay here to take care of the animals.”

“It’s here. At a beach house. I forgot the address, but I can always text it to you. He planned a nice time for the 4thon the beach for the fireworks.” She was so hopeful. So excited. She had a weird gleam in her eye I mistook for nerves at attending a function without anyone.

“Okay. I’m sure it’ll be fun. You can stay with me. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“Oh, he’s putting half the company up.”

“I thought you said he was a devil?”

“Oh, he is a tricky one. All smiles and good humor and then bam, before you know it—you’re baking him cakes and color coding his files. He tricks you with charm.”

“It almost sounds like you have a crush on him,” I snorted.

“I’m not the only one,” she muttered under her breath. I raised my eyebrows, looking away. “Oh, Ryan.” She spotted the boat across the road, dancing gracefully in the water. The palm of her hand rested on the glass as she gazed out.

“Want to go for a quick ride on the water?”

“No. No,” her eyes misted. “Some memories I keep tucked away; afraid new ones will tarnish the edges. I still see him at the stern, hands turning on the motor.”

I stood behind her, “I do, too.”

“Oh dear, I’ve made a mess of this,” she opened her purse, using a tissue to dab her eyes.

“Nonsense. I just hope someday, I’ll find a love like you and Pops had. A good, honest man who will love me until the day he dies.” She took my hand in hers, giving it a firm squeeze.

“I want that for you too. More than you know. And I think you might find him sooner than you think.”

“Doubtful. The only men in my life are Roscoe the lab mix and Ken, the fifty-year-old captain on the research vessel.”

Gran loved Daisy. She even got a good laugh when Roscoe tangled his leash around her legs. We walked along the docks. Ate at a pub. A sleek SUV with tinted windows pulled up outside the Rescue Center at five. I was hopeful someone was here to adopt until I saw the driver emerge in a crisp black suit. “Ms. Dempsey?”

“That would be my ride.”

“You hired a car to bring you here and back? Gran that’s hundreds of dollars?”

“I didn’t. My boss did.”

“What? Why?”

She shrugged. “He likes me. Was concerned for my safety when I told him I was planning on taking the day off to visit you. It is a two plus hour drive each way…”

“Just who is this boss of yours? Christian Grey?”

“No honey. He makes him look like minced meat.”

“Ugh, I hate him already. I bet he’s bossy, moody, only drinks eight-dollar coffees and has a stick up his butt just like most attorneys. He probably looks down his nose at people, has a hissy if he doesn’t get his way—” I paused, realizing I was projecting my own image of C.C. Esquire on Gran’s boss.

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