“Very.”
“Oh! That means he kissed you back,” she surmised.
“Yeah, but it was probably the same reaction as any gravitational pull. Although, did you know that gravity is actually the weakest force we know? It’s strong enough to hold galaxies together, and yet you overcome gravity every time you pick something up. That coffee mug or this apple,” I babbled, lifting the piece of fruit and taking another bite to shut myself up.
“Good Lord,” Gran groaned. “Christopher Robin, I’m going to tell you something, but I need your undivided attention and consideration. Do I have it?”
I slumped a little farther in my chair. “Yes.”
“Break the rules, kiss all the boys, and take all the chances. Listen to that voice in your head that encourages a touch of mayhem. Someday you’ll be eighty-five years young like me, and you’ll want to look back on your life knowing that you lived it well. No regrets.”
I smiled but didn’t reply right away. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Excellent.” She beamed and covered my hand, wrapping her long bony finger around mine. “Do you have time for a game of gin rummy?”
Not really, but I couldn’t say no.
Gran was fiercely independent, sharp-witted, and feisty as hell, but life hadn’t been kind lately. The man she’d loved her whole life was in a rehab facility across town while she sat alone in a house, surrounded by other people’s things. She would never admit it, but she was lonely and maybe even a little depressed. If gin rummy helped ease her sense of loss, I’d play as many games as she wanted.
After getting trounced at a few rounds of cards, I stopped at a coffee shop before heading back to the new rental. Caffeine was probably the last thing I needed. My brain was already buzzing. Between my unemployed situation, my episode with Simon, and worrying about my grandmother, I was in danger of losing a screw or two. I hoped unpacking and organizing would help me decompress. It certainly couldn’t hurt.
I jostled the box on my hip and balanced the tray of to-go coffees as I made my way along the narrow path leading to the generous porch. The front door was wide open, but the earlier frenzied atmosphere had died down. I thought I heard hushed conversation coming from the adjoining room when I stepped into the dimly lit wood-paneled foyer.
“Hello, anybody home? I have lattes,” I called in greeting.
“Kitchen!”
I carefully dropped the box at the foot of the stairs, then pulled my drink from the tray and took a grateful gulp of iced caffeinated goodness as I weaved my way around a stack of crates blocking the entry to the living room.
Sunlight flooded the cavernous space. I blinked against the brightness, noting that Asher’s modern red sectional juxtaposed nicely with the ancient hardwood flooring, the traditional fireplace, and the ornate molding on the high ceilings. With a rug and another chair, this would be a great spot to hang out.
“I have caffeine, peasants. You may call me master,” I announced, setting the tray on the white-tiled countertop. I raised my cup in the air triumphantly and pivoted on my heels. “To move-in day and—”
Gah. Crap on a cow patty.
George smiled in greeting and hooked his thumb toward the handsome hunk at his side. “Simon helped us move Asher’s sofa. Might as well put him to use while he’s here.”
Simon flipped his brother off before addressing me. “How’s it goin’, Toph?”
I swallowed hard and managed a barely audible, “Good.”
“Glad to hear it. Do you have anything in your car?”
“No, I…um. I have a box…by the stairs.”
“I can help you with that,” Simon replied quickly.
“Excellent. I’ll deliver drinks to the guys. Everyone’s outside, but we were about to grab some lunch. Hurry with the box, you two. I’ll tell them to wait.” George plucked the to-go tray from the counter.
“No, that’s okay. I’m not hungry, and I want to organize my room. You should all go ahead.” I urged.
Simon held his hand up to give George a high five. “I’m going home after I help Toph. See ya, little bro.”
“Oh, you don’t have to help me. I can handle it,” I assured him, flashing a plastic smile.
“It’s not a problem at all.”
George moved to the side door and glanced my way. “We’ll be at our regular booth at Lucky’s. Put your underwear away and join us.”
I waited for the door to close, swallowing my exasperation as I turned to Simon. “This is unexpected.”
“Well, I came to see my folks and got roped into moving day. I don’t mind, but I told George I didn’t operate before ten a.m. on weekends.”
I smiled awkwardly as I lifted my cup. “If I’d known you were coming, I would have brought you something.”
“That’s okay. I’ve already had enough coffee this morning. Too much caffeine isn’t good for me.”