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“If I don’t stick by your side, you’ll scare every woman away. I got to do all the sweet talkin’ because you’re terrible. How ya got that last one to stay with ya, I’ll never know.”
“Grandma—”
“Even if she was a snake, I’m still shocked she stayed with atoad.”
I closed my eyes. “It’s too early for this. Call me if Dad isn’t keeping you and Mom warm.”
I ended the call and smiled, picturing how hard Grandma was huffing at the phone.
The hardwood floor creaked, and I turned around to see Eugene attempting to tiptoe toward the stairs.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” I said.
“You didn’t,” she replied.
Eugene would probably still be snoring if I hadn’t started talking.
“I’m going to deal with the tree in the driveway,” I said, slipping on my boots.
“Um… I heard you say something about going out later…”
“Yeah.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I thought you said we couldn’t get out today.”
“I saidyoucouldn’t in that Kia. I, on the other hand, own a four-wheel drive truck and have driven in worse weather.”
Eugene blinked and pursed her lips. “Yes…Well, hmm…”
“Red,” I interrupted her, fighting a smile. “You’re welcome to go into town with me later.”
She hesitated, twisting her fingers together. “If it’s not too much trouble.”
???
In the truck, I glanced at her. She gripped her hands together on her lap. Something I noticed she did a lot. My houseguest seemed to be a constant ball of anxiety.
Before we left, I asked, “Do you want to stay at the cabin? I can grab whatever you need while I’m out if you’re worried.”
Her seatbelt clicked as she buckled up. “No, no. I don’t need anything. I just wanted to go out.”
I quirked a brow as I backed the truck out of the driveway. “You’ll risk being afraid to cure your boredom?”
“I’m trying to get familiar with everything.” She was quiet for a second until I started driving through the tiny, one-lane road. “Are you sure this is safe? The road’s really narrow…”
She had good reason to be nervous. The snow was at least eight inches thick on the graveled path, but I figured the main roads would be a little better.
“I wouldn’t say it’s safe. Anything can happen. I don’t feel the wheels slipping, so I think the traction is good.”
She bounced her legs as she gripped her seatbelt.
“Hey, it’s okay, all right? If you’re that scared, I can turn back around when I find a spot. I’d rather you stay home than be terrified.”
From the corner of my eye, I saw her lean toward the console. “I’m fine. I wanted to come. You were going out regardless to check your restaurant.”
“Yes, I,me.” I looked at her then. She was so close; I saw every tiny shade of brown within her eyes. I swallowed hard, and quickly looked back to the road. Damn it, my heart wanted to pop out of my chest. “Honestly, how have you survived in the world this long? I want to know.”
“Excuse me? How does wanting to go to town with you have anything to do with survival?”
