Page 87 of Small Town Frenzy
“I’m starved.”
The front door opens, and Savvy stops when she sees us. “Two things.” I’ve gotten to know her cousin enough to know she’s really speaking to Cricket when she has something to get off her chest. She has strong opinions, just like my girl. “What are they feeding them over here in Greene County? Goodness. They’re giant and gorgeous. The men working downtown and, well . . .” She gestures toward me with her hand. “Jesus. Then you got this family.” Looking straight at me, she asks, “Got any spare brothers or cousins around here? Sign me up or, better yet, hook me up, Griffin.”
I start to chuckle along with Cricket when she replies, “Yeah, I’m not sure why we were hanging around Dover County when all this sexiness was just over the county line.”
“What about Blake?” I ask, but am quickly shot down with two level-me-to-the-ground glares. “My bad. I’ll just keep my mouth shut.” Cricket gives my hand a little squeeze.
Savvy says, “Second, Blake and I broke up.”
“What?” Cricket jolts forward.
She waves her off like it’s no big deal. “I take it you didn’t see the online photos? Yeah, the team is in Nashville, and photos surfaced of him making out with some girl and then walking into his hotel together, which means the team knew.” Shaking her head, she half laughs. “If I weren’t so mad, I might be upset, but really, it was a long time coming. Even when we tried to put in the effort, all was forgotten the next day, and we were back to being better roommates than lovers.” As if she reminded herself, she says, “The man is horrible in bed. He stares at photos of himself in his baseball uniform to get off.”
“Yikes,” Cricket says, standing up. “Look, you are better off without him. Your guy, someone who will fall madly in love with you, is out there waiting for you. I just know it.”
I follow them back outside just as Tagger asks, “Hey, did you guys meet my brother?”
Savvy’s the first one off the porch with her hand out, ready to greet him. “No, we did not. I’m Savvy Dover.”
“Ace Grange.”
Not sure if it’s her little double skip forward to shake his hand or the way he just looks like he met his soulmate, but I think she’s going to come out of this breakup just fine.
A trail of dust in the distance draws my eyes up to the road by the barn. I immediately glance at Cricket, who’s already spotted the car. I take hold of her hand and ask, “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” Taking a deep breath, she says, “Here we go.”
CHAPTER 36
Cricket
My mom’sfeet are the first to land in the grass where the black SUV is parked in front of Christine and Tagger’s house. Her spike heels are not the wisest for the ranch, but she doesn’t do casual.
Dad slides out after her, offering his arm for her to hold. He closes the door, and they come toward the house with everyone gawking. I should probably make it easier on them to approach by meeting them halfway, but I think this is a good experience for them to feel like guests rather than owning the place, which is their typical modus operandi.
Even Savvy is popping grapes in her mouth on the porch swing, sitting next to Ace and watching like she’s about to see a fireworks show. She might if I can’t keep my temper in check.
I eased some of the torture by walking down the steps of the porch and waiting there for them. Griffin is by my side without asking. Christine comes to stand next to me and asks, “Your parents?”
“Yes.”
“Hello,” she says to greet them by cutting across a few feet of grass. Introductions are made quickly with references to everyone who’s here. “Hot dogs and burgers are coming off the grill. Make yourself at home,” she says before returning to the porch to let them mingle.
I hadn’t noticed Thomas standing by his son’s side until my parents approached us. My mom air kisses my cheek, and then says, “You look so pretty in that dress, Cricket.” The compliment takes me by surprise and causes me to look down at what I’m wearing. It’s a sundress I ordered, nothing fancy—white with blue flowers like the prettiest jacquard prints in Paris.
“Thank you. You look pretty, Mom.” She always does, but I felt the need to tell her this time as well.
My dad leans in and wraps his forearm around my neck. These grounds we’re breaking will come in all forms. He’s trying despite always being a family of non-huggers.
Shaking Griffin’s hand, he says, “I hear congratulations are in order.”
Griffin glances at me like he has no clue what he’s talking about. “Thank . . .you?”
My dad starts to guffaw, never ceasing to amaze me. I haven’t heard him laugh in years. “You’re the father of my grandson and won my daughter’s heart.”
“Ah,” Griffin starts, “Well, it’s a funny story actually that starts in—” I slam the back of my hand against his chest.
“Save that story for another time. We have a birthday to celebrate, and you’re starving, remember?”
