On a last-minute vacation where I felt slightly manipulated and possibly kidnapped.
And my approval ratings were going to hell.
Things couldn't get worse.
I finally reached the gate where Travis, Kacey, Char, Jake, and Beth were waiting.
Clearly something was wrong because they were frantically dialing their phones, and Kacey looked like she was ready to cry.
"What?" I asked stupidly. "Did someone die?"
All eyes turned to me.
"We can't find Grandma." Beth's voice was strained. "She said she had to use the powder room and just disappeared."
"I'm sure she's fine," I soothed. "After all, this is Grandma Nadine we're talking about. I'd feel sorry for her attacker. Hell, I'd probably watch the entire episode and order popcorn."
The group seemed to relax a bit.
That is, until we heard honking.
And then a splash of leopard flew by me at top speed.
"I think I found her." I pointed.
Grandma parked the airport cart, giving herself whiplash in the process, and stepped out. "Sorry, dears, it took me the longest time to find one of these things."
I winced. "Grandma, I think it's illegal for you to drive that without assistance from the airport staff."
My body gave an involuntary shudder as Grandma's pointed stare met mine. "I am the law."
Ho-o-oly shit. What had I gotten myself into?
"Get in." Grandma put the cart in reverse, nearly killing two elderly people in the process, then pulled out her lipstick and began applying in the rearview mirror.
Great, so she used mirrors for lipstick application and not driving. We were in such good hands.
The last thing I wanted to do was go to dinner. Sleep. That's what I wanted. Sleep. And to hear from Rick that everything was fine.
I picked up my bag and made my way to the cart, eying Beth as she leaned on Char. Was she crying? Had I done that? Feeling like a jackass, I moved toward her, only to be stopped by Jake and Travis, both of them looking like they'd rather shoot me in the face than let me even near their family.
"Listen, punk," Jake started.
I laughed. I couldn't help it. Punk? Really? That's what he was going to go with? And then he punched me in the stomach. I doubled over, not a proud moment. Travis pulled me by the shirt and leaned me against the wall so it looked like I hadn't just gotten the wind forced out of me.
"Listening." I glared.
"We will end you." Travis smiled, as if he was excited about the idea of killing a state senator and going to federal prison. "Leave her alone."
"Her?" I repeated. "You mean Grandma?"
"Grandma?" Jake snorted. "That woman could run circles around you in her sleep. Hell, I don't even feel sorry for you. We're talking about Beth."
"Hey," I held up my hands, "I didn't do anything wrong."
"You slept with her."
"I'm not sure," I answered honestly. "I can't exactly… remember the details."