Page 241 of Tempting-
"No. Emma."
"You're smiling."
"She apologized. She forgives me for lying to her."
"Good. Now let me see the hottie."
My laugh hurts. These pictures are salt in the wound. We look so happy. So right together.
I pick one of us at Inked Hearts. I'm sitting on the stool behind the counter, and he has his arms around me, and we're both smiling like we're happy enough to die.
I hand my cell to grandma.
"Mmm. Yes. I can see why you look so miserable." She taps the screen. "Anything good in here?" She raises her brows twice.
"Oh my God, Grandma! No. If there was, do you think I'd show you?"
"You'd deprive a dying woman of a juicy pic?"
"If it was meant for my eyes only, yes."
"You're not convincing me to stop looking."
I laugh as I steal my cell back. "You're sick. You know that?"
"Of course." She smiles. "How is school?"
"Good. Hard. But good."
"And work?"
"It's fine. I... um... I might extend my trip and—"
"Don't miss school for me."
"Grandma. You're... I'm staying here as long as I need to be here. You won't talk me out of it."
She looks up at me with a sad smile. "You really are a strong young woman."
I wipe my tears. "I try. But I don't feel that way. Not usually."
"If your boss gives you shit, tell me. I'll call him. Cough a lot. Guilt him."
I shake my head. "No. I can find a place with better tips, so I can drop to two days a week."
"You should, Kay-bear. And play up the flirting. You'll never go broke appealing to a wealthy man's ego."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"You won't. If things were different, you'd lecture me about integrity."
"They aren't different." I press my lips together. "You were a single mom. I get it."
She nods. "You're such a good kid. And so strong, going through everything on your own. But it doesn't have to be like that, Kay-bear. Don't make the same mistakes I did. Let people in. Let them see when you hurt. Even if it means risking your heart."
"I'm trying."
"Your mom told me about your depression."
