We found a parking spot near the entrance and walked by the outdoor shops toward the food court. Once inside, I glanced around for Lori, since I had no idea what Grandma Joyce looked like. It looked like they hadn’t arrived yet. The best thing to do would be to stall and take a look at the many places to eat inside until they showed up.
“Okay,” I said, glancing around. “Take your pick, Grandpa. You’ve got Charley’s Philly Steaks over there, Corner Bakery Cafe over there . . .” I turned and looked around a little more. “Craft Pizza, Kebab Grill, Noodles and Company, Royal India, and Ruby Thai.” I pointed down toward the end of the food court. “And a whole slew of other choices over there. What are you in the mood for?”
Grandpa Wayne looked around. “They all sound good.”
“I know, but you have to pick one. It’s not a buffet.”
“That’s why I love cruises. You can eat until you pass out.”
“Well, this will be the next best thing. Pick one place to eat, and then you can take a nap later.”
“I love my naps.”
I grinned. “So do I.”
“Ben!” Lori yelled from across the way, waving.
I turned and gestured to her. “Oh, wow. It’s Lori. You know, my new cohost?”
Grandpa Wayne nodded. “Forget about her. Who’s the looker who’s with her?”
I smiled, thinking our plan was going to work like a charm.
We’re off to a good start.
“That’s her grandma, I think, although I’m not positive because I’ve never met her.”
I knew it was her but I needed to play it off, of course.
“What a surprise seeing you here.” Lori’s acting skills weren’t bad at all. “Are you following me?”
I chuckled. “I left the radio station before you this morning, remember?”
“Okay, you’re off the hook then. This time.”
Grandpa Wayne cleared his throat.
“Oh.” I slapped my forehead, wondering if I was overacting. “Where are my manners? Grandpa Wayne, this is Lori Martin from the morning show.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand.
Lori skipped the hand and went directly for a hug, wrapping her arms around my grandpa. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you!”
I wasn’t jealous at all.
Really.
My grandpa eyed Lori’s grandma. “And who might this young lady be?”
Grandma Joyce batted her eyelashes and smiled. “I’m Lori’s grandmother, Joyce. A pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand.
Grandpa Wayne grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it. “The pleasure is all mine.”
We had liftoff.
I smiled at Grandma Joyce. “Glad we finally get to meet in person.” I gave her a hug.
“Me, too.” She smiled. “I adore you and what you do on the radio every day. And this morning’s show was fantastic, as usual. I loved the way you put that man in his place for forgetting his wife’s fortieth birthday. You tell it like it is, and it’s an admirable quality.”
