AllFreeNovel
Share Us
All rolling into Dallas, searching and plotting a grisly end for yours truly.
Shit, it ain’t fair.
Then again, nothing in this world ever is.
Despite how gutted I’d felt when she first told me about the new job offer, I need her to leave Dallas behind without looking back.
I can’t keep an eye on her twenty-four seven, and that’s what I’d need to do if she stays here. Bat and the scum working for him have already connected her to me.
I wait until our plates are almost empty before saying, “So, when does this new job in Chicago start up?”
Tory shrugs. “It doesn’t have a set date, but it won’t be long before the groups from overseas arrive. I’m not going back to Chicago until after Granny takes her cruise.”
“You decided to go after all?” I ask Granny. Talk about a wrench in my plan, getting Tory out of town ASAP.
“That’s news to me! Last I checked, I’m not going,” she clips, looking at Tory warily.
“Oh, yes, you are, Gran,” Tory insists. “What kind of granddaughter would I be if I stopped you from going on the trip of a lifetime?”
“Now who said it was the trip of a lifetime?” Granny narrows her eyes.
“Robert Duncan, when I picked the goats up from his neighbor’s place before the Neuman job,” Tory answers.
“How fitting!” Granny snorts. “He’s such a nasty old goat himself.”
“Gran, you’ve already paid for the cruise,” Tory says, her voice strained like she’s on the verge of pleading. “I said I’d stay here and watch your house. It’s no big deal.”
“You can’t, dear,” Granny says. “There’s no other option.”
“Yes, there is,” Tory argues, hot frustration bursting on her cheeks. “Is something going on? Is it Mom breathing down your neck again?”
For a second, Granny Coffey looks jarred.
Damn. Not totally wanting to self-insert into the middle of their fight, I feel I have to, especially when I don’t like the thought of Tory staying here alone. “But you could go if she took the Chicago job, right?”
“Oh, no. She’s not taking that bait,” Granny answers, rolling out a sigh. “She came here to heal, and she’s not done healin’ yet.”
“I’m healed enough, Gran.” Tory levels a glare at her grandmother. “And you never answered my question. Are Mom and Dad involved in this? I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn, otherwise.”
“Me? You’re the one who’s being stubborn as a mule, missy.” Granny says. “And no. You really think I’d do your parents’ bidding? Ha!”
Granny throws up her arms.
Tory facepalms.
Yep. I’d say they’re neck and neck in the stubbornness department.
“Then give me one solid reason why I can’t just stay here and house-sit while you go on your cruise like a normal person.” Tory holds up a finger. “A good reason, Granny. Not an excuse.”
Granny sets down her fork with a clink and leans back in her chair, arms crossed.
“Fine. You want to know the real reason? I’ll tell you. It’s because the cruise was a package deal that Imhoff Builders offered to seniors. Anyone who booked a cruise was given a large percentage off the cost of a home remodeling project to be completed during the cruise.”
“What? Oh…” Tory frowns thoughtfully. “So that’s what you meant when you said you were having your kitchen and bathroom remodeled soon.”
“Yes, soon-soon, and that’s exactly why you can’t stay here if I’m gone. You won’t have a kitchen or bathroom, or any running water. So, I’m just canceling the entire thing. I’ll do it next year.”
“Next year? No.” Tory shakes her head. “Did you already pay for the remodeling too?”
“It was all one big ball of wax.” Granny shrugs. “No biggie. I’ve lived in this house as is for forty years. What’s one more?”
“It’s a lot if I’m the cause of it. You deserve a vacation and a nicer place, Gran.” Tory runs a hand through her hair, letting out a hiss of frustration.
“Let’s not get dramatic,” Granny says softly. “It’s my choice not to go, dear. I’m still kicking and my mind’s plenty sharp. I invited you to come here and stay until you’re fully healed, and that’s what’s going to happen. You’re not going back to Chicago until you’re ready. And I’m not going to Alaska. Easy-peasy.”
“You’re right about me not going back to Chicago just yet. I have to finish the goat gigs. I promised Uncle Dean I would.” Tory slaps the table gently. “Hey, that’s it! I could stay with Uncle Dean and keep an eye on the remodeling project for you.”
No, dammit, I think to myself, her going to Chicago would solve bigger problems.
“In that hovel?” Granny scoffs. “He only has two bedrooms, and with all the crap in his house, good luck finding them. Last time I was there, he had a lawnmower engine on his coffee table.” She looks at me. “I love my son, but he’s a Neanderthal.”
