“Hi,sweetheart.”
“Hi, Gram, are you okay?”
“Yes, darling, I’m fine. I just wanted to make sure you were enjoying your time inNashville.”
“I’m loving it, Gram. It’s everything I hoped it would be.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Did you go to The Country Music Hall of Fame?”
“Is the sky blue?” Megan joked. “Of course, I did. It was the first place I went.”
“What aboutMusic Row?”
“I wentyesterday.”
“And?”
“It was exactly how you described it.”
“Did you see the studio where Elvis recorded?”
“Yes, Mom and I took one of the tours so we could learn all about it. The whole thing was fascinating.”
“I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, and what are you doing today?”
“I’m currently waiting for my lunch to arrive. Then I’ll head out into the neighbourhood and take a look around, maybe treat myself a little.”
“I don’t blame you,sweetheart.”
“How are things at the bar, anyway? Dad mentioned you’d been having some staffing issues.”
“We had someone leave and Alec has been ill, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. Ashley helped out the last couple of days and she said Madison will too if we get desperate, so we haveit covered.”
Megan’s posture stiffened, rooted in place. The growl of her stomach became more vocal. “Ashley? That’s nice of her.”
“She’ll always help if we are desperate. She’s agood girl.”
“I find itso bizarre.”
“What?”
“That I met a girl, got her to write your love story, and now you see her more than me. I feel like you gained anothergrandchild.”
“Darling, I will only ever have one grandchild and nobody can compare to you, but I am grateful for you bringing Ashley into our lives. She’s one of thegood ones.”
Didn’tshe know it.
“I know she is. I’m glad she’s there to help you. You know I wouldif I could.”
“As much as I appreciate the gesture, sweetheart, I remember the last time you helped me behind the bar.”
Megan laughed, “Gram, I was like ten years old.” She recalled the faded memory from her childhood, a flash of broken glasses and a lively ER waiting room.
“Your mom practically banned me from looking after you after that incident. I was the irresponsible Grandma. Your dad saw the funny side after you were stitched up and back shooting abasketball.”
“I always had the best time with you, Gram, even in the emergency room.” Megan pulled her elbow towards her eye line to see the five-inch jagged scar along her forearm. It had faded over time and was now simply a story to tell. The time she dropped a tray of glasses, attempted to pick them up and slipped onto the broken glass, wedging a large piece in her forearm—it wasn’t exactly aparty trick.
“Me too, darling, even if you did give me a heart attack 99% of the time.”
