Page 24 of How He Got the Girl
“Your costar lives here?”
“No, that’s a publicity stunt.” I rub a hand along my chin. “It’s Mallory.”
Granny’s eyes light up. “The Mallory who sang carols for us at your parents’ house? The Mallory you haven’t stopped talking about for three years?ThatMallory?”
I nod.
“How long have you been together?” She pouts. “How could you hide this from me?”
“It’s pretty new.” I press my lips together, knowing this is a terrible idea, but there’s no stopping it now. “I finally found her. I always told you that when I found her again, I wouldn’t be dumb enough to let her go. I’d love to stay for a while if you’re up for it, so I can also date Mallory.” I smile, trying to look more confident than I feel.
What if Granny wants to meet Mallory again or invite her over for dinner? She’s totally going to want to invite her over for dinner. What was I thinking? This is a terrible idea. Mallory wants nothing to do with me. I need to tell Granny the truth.
“I—” I start, but she cuts me off.
“I’m not one to stop young love.”
Well, I’m in this now. For better or for worse.
“I’m not exactly young anymore, Granny.” I rub the back of my neck.
“You’re young as a spring chicken to me.”
I laugh. She’s always used the funniest expressions and sayings.
“But if you don’t want me to call ityounglove, then I’m not one to stoptruelove.”
I swallow. “Love is a big word.”
“I know, but I thought you were smart enough for it to be in your vocabulary.”
“Hilarious.” I cover my mouth with a napkin to hide my smile.
“Don’t you hide that million-watt smile from me, Griffie,” she scolds.
I drop my napkin, feeling like a reprimanded child again. “Sorry, Granny.”
“Now, tell me all about how you reconnected with Mallory.”
I take a giant bite of my steak, hoping to buy myself some time to come up with a semblance of a story to tell her. Just as I finish chewing, my phone vibrates on the wooden table. I flip it over and see a picture of my agent. Karina knows I’m here visiting with Granny, so if she’s calling, it must be important.
“Sorry, I should get this.” I swipe my thumb across the screen to answer the call. “How’s it going, Karina?”
She clucks her tongue. “You never stop making work for me, do you?”
“It’s why I’m your favorite client,” I answer, trying to sound lighthearted when I know this conversation is about to be anything but.
“No, it’s why you pay me the big bucks.”
“True.” I laugh before sobering, remembering she has a reason for calling. “What’s up?”
“Have you checked your phone recently?”
“No.” My mouth tugs into a frown. “Am I missing something?”
“Oh, only about one hundred pictures, videos, and articles about you and a mystery woman.”
I rub a hand over my face. “I was worried about that when I saw a bunch of phones pointed at us.”
