Page 67 of Nerdelicious
“Cutting straight to the point, I see.”
She lifts her brows, unimpressed.
“Is he here?”
“He left earlier, had an appointment in town. Answer the question, Fred girl.”
I take another sip before responding. “I like him. We’re... together.” I shrug, not sure how to explain it when I can’t quite wrap my own head around it.
“You’re not staying here.”
My heart jumps and I stand up straight. “Are you kicking me out?”
She rolls her eyes and moves closer. “Don’t be slow, girl. That’s not what I’m talking about. I mean you have plans. You aren’t staying in Blue Falls. Beast belongs here.”
And I don’t.“I know.”
“Do you?”
“It’s nothing, Granny.”
“I reckon it’s more than nothing. You have a good heart. It’s already bruised. I’d hate to see it torn.”
I put the coffee down on the counter. I can’t do anything but nod due to the massive lump in my throat.It’s too late.
It’s like she hears the words anyway. She hugs me, surrounding me with the smell of Chanel No. 5 and pipe tobacco. Surprisingly, not a bad combo.
“You’re not in trouble. I’m not mad at you.” She pulls back, keeping one hand on each of my shoulders. “Can’t say I blame you either. That boy is mighty fine. If only I was ten years younger.”
A surprised laugh barks out of me. “Tenyears younger?”
“That’s what I said.” She steps back, hands on her hips, squinting at me. “Ten years. Did I stutter? Lost your hearing?”
Through sheer force of will I keep my face blank. “Right, right. Ten years.” I salute. “I hear you.”
“Will you clean out the shed today? I think there’s an old bicycle in there. I want to get it fixed up for Grace as a surprise.”
“Oh, cool. Yeah, absolutely.”
Granny leaves for parts unknown and I’ve only had a few more sips of coffee when Grace bounces in.
“You got an email. I think it’s from that interview on Monday.” She puts the laptop on the counter.
Too soon. It’s gotta be bad news. “Are you hacking my emails again?”
“It’s not hacking when your password for everything is ‘I love Jensen Ackles.’” She sighs and rolls her eyes.
“I use numbers and characters, too.” I stare at the laptop on the counter, not quite ready to open it. My stomach swirls with nerves. “Well? What did the email say?”
She disappears behind an open cabinet, rooting for snacks. “I didn’t read it. I just saw the sender and subject. I’m not a monster.”
“The truth of that statement has yet to be determined.” I bite my lip. I want to read it, but I know the odds of receiving good news are slim to none. My interview was terrible. My major qualification is being a giant nerd who also loves food but struggles with simple conversation. I want this job, it’s perfect. But if I get it, it will likely mean leaving Blue Falls within the next couple of weeks and Beast...
I shove the thought away. I’ve got a month or less, either way.
I stare at the laptop, closed on the countertop, mocking me with its sleek simplicity. “Maybe I’ll read it after my chores.”
“Don’t be a big baby.” Leaving the cabinet door open, she walks across the kitchen to the fridge and peers inside.
