“Then you don’t know Nana. She’s hilarious! She really missed her calling as a stand-up comedian,” I shout back and then try to figure out how to respond to Millie. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a girlfriend or dated. And I’ve never dated anyone with someone else to take care of. Should I invite the sister? She’s sixteen. She wouldn’t want to hang out with two “old people.” Not that this will be a date. We’re just friends, I remind myself. She needs a friend.
Jameson: How about tomorrow? Pick you up at 6:30?
I fire off the text and toss my phone back and forth between my hands, waiting for her to respond. It’s taking her forever. Is she rethinking going out now? No, no. She texted me. She wants to go out. But a woman does always reserve the right to change her mind—or so my mother always says.
My phone dings again, and I unlock my phone in record time, desperate to see her response.
Millie: Okay, sounds great! Take me somewhere I can wear jeans and that serves burgers, please! Teenagers are stressful, and I need comfort food.
I’m smiling down at my phone, thinking about her dealing with her sister all evening when Colby walks into his kitchen to dump his plate in the sink and grab a drink. I stand up straight and shove my phone in my pocket.
“You sure look happy for a man who’s just talking to his nana,” he says with a crooked grin.
“Shut up.”