Page 97 of Fish out of Water
Grant loaded Sylvia into the backseat of his mother’s SUV before pulling open the passenger’s door of his own car and turning to me.
Michael magically appeared at my side with all three of our purses and a brown paper bag. He gave me a smile. “I’ve included a few dessert options for you to enjoy.”
I really liked him. “Thank you.”
“I am at your service, Ms. Murray.”
Grant took the bag with one hand and reached to shake Michael’s with the other. “I appreciate all you do for my family.”
“Of course, Mr. Servantes.” Michael tipped his head in a small nod as we pulled away.
At least we made it through dinner tonight.
“I’m sorry, Jules.”
“You say that a lot.” I thought the comment would lighten his mood.
Make him see the humor in the whole situation.
But Grant’s scowl made it clear he was not amused at all.
“I say it a lot because I have to.” He glanced my way. “I wish I could say my life is not normally like this, but any time my mother and grandmother are in town, it’s exactly like this.”
He said it like it was a bad thing. Like I didn’t have the best night of my whole life tonight.
Like I didn’t watch his mother’s every move, trying to figure out how I could be more like her.
“Do they come into town often?”
He pulled in a long breath and blew it out. “More than they used to.”
“Do you think they’ll eventually move down here?” The thought warmed my heart a little.
Grant’s jaw tightened. “God, I hope not.”
“Why?” I could think of way worse things than your family wanting to be close.
Like disowning you because you cut your hair and started wearing pants.
And had the audacity to think you should be able to make your own decisions.
“I moved here for a reason, Jules.” Grant turned into his driveway and pulled into the two-car garage next to his mother’s SUV. Elaine stood at one of the open back doors, staring into the back seat. “Christ.”
“She’s asleep.” Elaine had one hand on her hip when I got out of the car. “I swear to God she’s worse than a teenager.”
“That’s what happens when you get married right after you turn eighteen.” Grant went to the back and carefully lifted Sylvia from the seat. “She’s making up for what she missed.”
Sylvia was head back, mouth open snoring as Grant carried her inside, with me and Elaine bringing up the rear.
Elaine gave me an apologetic smile. “I hope this didn’t ruin your evening.”
“Definitely not.” I set the paper bag I was carrying on the counter and peeked in. “Michael sent dessert home for us.”
“It’s all yours.” Elaine reached out to pat my arm. “You deserve it after what you witnessed tonight.”
“It’s not the first old man wiener I’ve seen.” I straightened, realizing I should explain the comment. “Mr. Wilson tried to skinny dip in the pool last year.”
“Good God, don’t tell my mother that. She’ll want to move in.”
