Page 240 of Tempting-
"That it does." She laughs. "There will be other guys."
"Is it that hopeless?"
"Maybe not." She pats my hand. "You're a catch, Kay-bear. Pretty. Smart. Sweet. He's a fool to let you go."
"He's trying to say it's for me. Because he's bad for me. Or something. I'm not sure."
"The hot ones are never smart."
I laugh. "He is. Just—"
"We've all got our baggage. After your grandfather left, I wouldn't even look at men. I'd get write ups at work for being disrespectful to my supervisors."
I smile. That sounds like Grandma.
"Once your mom was older, I tried dating, but I was still angry at the world. I wasn't ready to trust someone to be my partner. I lost a few good things because I wouldn't get out of my way. But there was nothing any of those guys could do."
"Nothing? You sure?"
She laughs. "You think he loves you?"
"He said he did, but I don't know... if he loves me then why doesn't he want to be with me?"
"I don't know, baby. I'm sorry. Sometimes it takes a while to get over past hurt. I never did. I was never brave enough to risk my heart again."
"Maybe that's it. He... his parents were awful to him before they died. Made him feel worthless. Then they died suddenly. I mean, sorry—"
"It's okay. I know I'm dying."
A tear catches on my lashes. "And you... are you ready?"
She presses her lips together. "I've been too weak to live a long time. I'm ready."
Oh God.
"But I'd rather talk about your hot friend."
I wipe a tear from my cheek. "Okay. I just... You haveto know how much I appreciate you. You were my best friend for a long time. You still are."
She squeezes my hand. "It's been an honor watching you grow, Kay. You're such a bright young woman." She blinks back a tear. "It's good you take after your mother and not me."
I shake my head. "I wish I was more like you."
She wipes her cheeks with her free hand. "That's about all I can take—"
"Okay. I do... I do need advice about Brendon."
She nods. "You think he's worth the trouble?"
"You've seen his picture."
She smiles. "Not lately."
I pull out my phone to grab one of us. There's a text from Emma. A few actually.
Emma: I'm sorry. Brendon is so stupid. I can't believe he did that. Did you get to Jersey okay? How is your grandma? Call me, Kay. I'm so sorry about flipping out. I just... I guess I did freak out. I love you.
"That him?" Grandma asks.
