Page 101 of Road Trip
“Grandma,” I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
She smiled up at me, and I instantly felt at home like I never had in my parents’ house.She was like a younger version of Abra’s gran. They both had the long, straight silver hair and mischief in their eyes all while carrying themselves all prim and proper.
“I’m Abra,” she said, sticking her hand out.
Grandma had to put down her embroidery to take Abra’s hand in hers.
“It is certainly nice to meet you. I’m Diane. Why don’t you two sit down?”
Abra and I sat on the couch across from the his-and-hers recliners. I took Abra’s hand in mine when we sat down and instantly felt like a teenager again.
“So you’re the young lady who has been keeping our Kelly.”
I felt myself blush. Abra’s eyes darted between us nervously.
“Grandma, behave,” I said, hoping she heard the warning in my voice. “Abra saved my life, took care of me.” And now it was my turn to do the same for her.
Grandma gave Abra a thorough once-over and looked pleased. “You’re certainly not like those other women who have sniffed around my grandson before. He’s a good catch, you know.”
“Believe me, I know. He’s pretty wonderful,” she said quietly, her palm getting moist in mine. Her eyes were big.
I was still upset about what had happened earlier. I couldn’t believe my behavior. I could have really hurt her. I don’t know what had come over me, except the fact that I was afraid of losing her. That and work had me feeling a little out of control. I didn’t like being new and having to ask questions, but I loved what I was doing. The investigations part, not the child abuse aspect. Being able to help kids in a bad situation...and apparently Grandma had been trying to get my attention.
“I’m sorry, Grandma. What did you ask?”
“Kelly, you and those trips you go on,” she said with a laugh.
Oh, no. This could turn into Embarrassing Story Hour. Instead, her expression was concerned.
“I’ve been worried about you. How has it been back at the department?”
Grandpa came in for the save. “Now, Diane. He’s fine, give him a break. You know he can’t talk about much. Can I get you both some iced tea?”
Abra nodded and looked to me.
“Yes, sir.” I realized I had been rubbing my fingers across Abra’s knuckles absently. I looked down at her, and she smiled, covering my hand with hers.
“You okay?” she whispered.
I nodded and couldn’t help it. A huge grin spread across my face. I had the most incredible woman in my life. I wanted to kiss her desperately, but figured that might make things awkward. Instead, I turned back to Grandma.
“It’s good. I like this unit. Investigations is a good place for me. My new partner, Kara, is a hard worker. She’s been in the unit a year already and we’re getting good training from our lieutenant.”
Grandpa handed us both glasses of tea, and we thanked him as he sat back in his chair.
Grandpa was right. I couldn’t really say a whole lot more. Then the spotlight was turned on Abra.
“So you’re from Hayward, dear?”
I hoped Abra would take it as a curiosity, not as judgment. Grandma was from the Central Valley originally and had met Grandpa at an equestrian clinic. She wasn’t from money and never looked down on people like my mother often did.
“Yes, I am. Born and raised. My gran lives in the same house in Cherryland that I was raised in.”
Grandma smiled at her. “I’m so sorry to hear your grandmother was hurt. How is she feeling? I broke my wrist as a young girl falling off a horse. I can’t imagine doing it now. It would be so much worse!”
Abra nodded and looked at the clock. Her face fell and back were the dark circles. “I’m sorry, Kelly,” she said quietly.
I cut her off before she could say anything else.
