Page 36 of The Alpha Escort Agency
“They?”
“My nan and my grandad.”
“Oh.” Two pinks spots form on the peak of her cheeks.
“If you don’t want to—”
“No, no, of course I do. I’d love to.” She jumps down from the truck and slips her hand in his, letting him lead her through the door and into the living room. They pause once they’ve stepped inside.
“Nan, this is Alice. Alice, my nan.” The two women observe him as he gestures between them both.
His nan snorts. “I have a name, Rory.” She holds out her hand towards Alice. “It’s Mary. Lovely to meet you, Alice.”
Alice takes his nan’s hand and his nan gives it a squeeze.
“Go see if your grandad needs some help, Rory. Alice, take a seat over there.” She points to the sofa. Alice throws him a nervous smile as he leaves.
“She's a pretty girl,” his grandfather says to him as he enters the kitchen
“Yes, she is,” Rory says
“Where did you meet her?”
“Hmmm.” Rory picks up the teapot and drops four tea bags inside.
"Like that, huh?" his grandad smirks. "I was young once, you know, I understand how these things work." He winks and gestures to the door. "I can do this myself. You'd better get back in there before your nan gives her the third degree."
"Shit," he mutters, chucking the teaspoon he'd just collected from the drawer onto the tray.
Alice is back on her feet when he re-enters the living room, and a chill passes through him. Did his nan say something to upset her?
But she's turned towards the wall, examining the photos hanging there, and now a hot flush races up his neck. He's not ready for her to see his work.
“He had awful buck teeth as a child,” his nan announces.
"I can see," she giggles.
"Poor thing spent years in braces, but at least it kept him out of trouble with girls. He couldn't talk to them because he was too embarrassed to open his mouth."
"Nan!" They both jerk around to see him and he throws his nan a dark look.
"I wondered why he doesn't smile much," Alice says, studying him. "I guess he forgot how."
"Oh, he's always been a sensitive soul, our Rory, carries the weight of the world on his shoulders." She lowers her voice in conspiracy, as if she thinks Rory won't be able to hear. "Plus he got his heart broken."
He closes his eyes, wishing the floor would swallow him up. Or the roof cave in.
"Are these yours?" Alice says. He opens his eyes and hers are warm, sympathetic; she beckons him over and threads her arm through his.
"Yes."
"They're very good."
"Of course they're good. You don't get published if your photos aren't top notch. Isn't that so, Alf?” his nan says to her husband as he brings in the tea and the cake.
"You're published?" Alice asks.
"Yes, and makes a good living from it too,” his nan adds.
