I catch up to Finley, the coil loosening when I see she’s smiling at her phone. There’s an elderly woman on the screen, and it makes me curious about her neighbors. I walk up behind Finley, lean over her shoulder and smile at the woman.
“Is that him?” she screeches, her eyes wide.
Finley glances over her shoulder at me and gives me an apologetic look. “Sorry. I’ll wrap this up.”
If her friend is the one who made her happy, then she can stay on the call all afternoon, as far as I’m concerned. “No. I want to meet your friend.”
Finley’s mouth parts in surprise.
Ignoring her bewilderment, I give my attention to the woman on the screen. “Hi, I’m Alex. I hope you’ve been assured I’m not a pirate.”
Finley giggles, and the sound feels like warm butter on fresh-baked bread. “I think you mean a member of the Russian mafia gang,” she says.
“Oh,” I say with a huge grin. “That’s right. Can’t promise I’m not one of those.”
The woman on the screen laughs. “Oh, Fin, I like him.”
Finley glances back at me with a soft smile. “Eh. He’s okay.”
Her comment goes straight to my heart, making it swell.
Jesus, it was a nothing statement, yet it feels like she actually means it. Like maybe I’m not just okay, but worth keeping around.
Where did that come from?
Focus.
“You know who I am,” I say to Finley’s friend, “but I don’t know which grandmother you are. You’re either Barb or Mirna.” I hold up a hand. “Wait. Don’t tell me. Let me guess.”
The woman giggles.
From what little I knew about her friends, I take a guess based on her laugh, “You’re Barb.”
“Bingo!” she says exuberantly.
“You should know I’m trying to make sure Finley’s having all the Christmas experiences,” I tell her. “Last night we went caroling. She baked with my mom and sister this morning. We just had boozy Christmas coffee, and now we’re Christmas shopping for my family.”
Barb is beaming. “She told me.”
“I hope she told you she’s having a good time,” I say, and turn slightly serious, “but if she tells you she’s not, I need you to let me know so I can step up my game.”
Barb laughs. “She’s having a wonderful time.”
“In case that changes, make sure Finley gives you my number so you can let me know.”
She gives me a sly look. “She’s already given it to me.” Her eyes narrow. “You think I’d let her go over a thousand miles away with a man I’ve never met with no way to contact you?”
I feel lightly chastised, but I say, “That honestly makes me feel better. I’m glad she has you looking out for her.”
She clasps her hand to her chest. “Aren’t you a darling boy?”
I’m not sure I’ve ever been called a darling boy before, and for some reason I like it, even if I know I’m not. “Thank you.”
“We need to go, Barb,” Finley says.
“Alright, but be sure to check in later,” Barb says. “You know Mirna wants to talk to you when she gets back.” She glances over at me. “And maybe Alex can meet her too.”
“We’ll see,” Finley says. “He might be busy. Love you, Barb. Bye!” She gives a little wave to her phone and Barb blows a kiss just before Finley hangs up.
