Page 57 of Bad Boys After Dark - Brett
As they neared her grandmother, they stopped to greet Grace’s mother, Marilynn Montgomery. She had been like a second mother to Sophie, Lindsay, and many other kids in town. With seven children of her own, her house had been a gathering place for all ages.
Marilynn hugged Brett, then settled her hand on her hip and said, “My Gracie told me about you.”
Brett flashed a nervous smile. “Should I start apologizing now?” He reached for Sophie and said, “I am really sorry that what you heard is probably true, but it turns out I’m a little slow on the uptake. I’m a much better man with Sophie in my life.”
“Oh goodness. You are charming. Do you by any chance have a few single brothers for my girls?” Marilynn asked.
“Sorry. They’re all taken, but I’ll keep my eyes open.”
“Well, that’s okay,” Marilynn said. “I’d really like to get Grace and her sister Pepper back to Oak Falls. I think we need some new male blood in this area.”
“If you find some, let’s get my Lindsay in on the dating game,” her mother said. “That girl’s got no interest in settling down with one man.”
“Maybe she just hasn’t met the right one yet,” Brett suggested, eyeing Sophie.
Sophie caught that shooting star and hung on for the ride.
Her mother guided them through the crowd toward her grandmother. “You picked a good man, Sophie. Let’s hope your grandmother doesn’t scare him off.”
Her grandmother looked up from the phone she and three of her friends were studying. She set her blue-gray eyes on Brett and said, “What is this I hear about scaring someone off? Are they telling lies about me?”
“No, Nana.” Sophie hugged her, inhaling the familiar scent of her perfume. “Nana, this is my boyfriend, Brett.” She loved saying that. My boyfriend. And she loved the proud look in Brett’s eyes when she said it even more.
Nana waved a hand dismissively, mischief dancing in her eyes. Her grandmother looked as sweet as could be, with layered white hair that still had strands of blond mixed in and just enough makeup to appear younger than her age but not like she was trying too hard. Her smart linen blouse and slacks gave her an air of properness that was often obliterated when she opened her mouth. Sophie loved Nana even more for her lack of filter, despite the fact that she might embarrass her.
“I know who this is, and so does everyone else on this lawn. You, my dear”—Nana pointed at Brett—“are the talk of the party. And now I see why. Tall, dark, and delicious is not a difficult way to go through life. We were just checking out a few Tumblr pages, and those boys have nothing on you.”
The women behind her nodded and murmured in agreement.
Sophie exchanged an amused glance with her mother, who said, “Brett, this is my mother, Nina, but you can call her Nana.”
“Thank you for the compliment, Nana. It’s nice to meet you.” Brett opened his arms, clearly catching on to the Robertses’ way of greeting friends.
“Is Bad your real last name?” Nana asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Brett said. “I guess the naming gods had a sense of humor.” He put his arm around Sophie and pressed a kiss to her temple. “But I assure you, as far as your granddaughter goes, I have only the best of intentions.”
“Well, that’ll get you in her father’s graces, but I don’t think it’ll get you very far in the long run.” Nana leaned closer to him and said, “Women like to be loved up, if you know what I mean.”
“Nana!” Sophie chided her.
Brett drew his shoulders back with a half-laugh, half-shocked sound and said, “Happy anniversary, Nana. Fifty years is quite a milestone.”
Sophie breathed a little easier, thankful he’d redirected the conversation.
“Fifty years is just enough to get to know each other’s hot spots.” Nana elbowed Brett and added, “If you know what I mean.”
“Nana!” Sophie slipped her arm around Brett’s waist.
“I can see you’ve finally figured out how to use those feminine wiles of yours. Now I understand why Lindsay dragged that hunky guy I brought for you down to the creek.”
