“I definitely wouldn’t say I’m controlling. I’ll give you bossy and stubborn, though.”
“Right. Not controlling, but you never thought to consider why your grandmother might be hiding a whole healthy relationship from you. Specifically.”
Another sting to the center of his chest. “She said that?”
“Yeah, she said that. So what changed in the last twelve hours? Threat of a lawsuit actually do the trick?”
“Actually, no. It was something my brother said.”
“Sam or Zach?”
“Zach.” It was jarring to hear her talk about his family in such a casual way. It had been so long and he was still a little shocked to be having this conversation right now. He never thought he’d see her again. He never thought she’d grow up to look like this, this beautiful. Even in a Baby Yoda onesie.
“And what did your wise younger brother have to say?”
“It’s not so much what he said, more what he made me realize. I’m taking on too much, and that includes looking after my grandmother. Maybe it’s time for me to step back. Let my family see how things play out when I’m not so vigilant. Or controlling, as you like to call it.”
Lily-Grace rolled her eyes. “How do you confess to having so many complexes in one sentence? Have they gotten your size for your martyr robes yet?”
“I don’t expect you to understand.”
“Good, cause you still sound ridiculous and you’re not the only person on Earth who loves their family. Luckily for you, I have my own problems, so as long as you chill the hell out and keep your hands and your temper away from my father, we’ll be fine. Come on, Clementine.”
Like the perfectly trained dog she was, Clementine jumped down from the cab and dropped her butt down on the driveway, looking up between them, waiting for her next command.
“Look at this polite little lady. So unlike her doggy dad. Let’s go, Clementine. I have four episodes ofTed Lassoto catch up on.” Jesse watched Lily-Grace as she walked back up her front steps. His traitorous dog actually followed her. “What does she eat?” she called over her shoulder.
“Uh, nothing store-bought. I make her her food.”
“Oh wow. A spoiled good girl. I think we can swing that. Later, Pleasant.” She opened the front door and Clementine just trotted right inside.
“Uh, what are you doing?” Jesse asked, trying to keep his voice calm, even though he could feel the blood starting to race to the veins in his forehead.
“The wine was alright, but I still haven’t forgiven you yet. My father is all I have, but I think we could handle another addition to the family. I think I’ll keep your dog for a while. I think that’s penance enough. Byeeee.”
Jesse blinked as she slammed the door behind her. His mouth dropped open and then closed again. She had to be joking, right? With a sigh he settled on his heels and waited for her stupid prank to come to an end. Five minutes later, though, she still hadn’t returned with his dog. Jesse took a deep breath, then gently pressed the doorbell.
“Who is it?” Lily-Grace called out.
“Give me my dog back.”
“That’sa weird name!”
“Lily-Grace, you made your point. I have to meet my family for dinner soon. Can you please send my dog out? I have to go.”
“Say it again?”
“What? Please?”
“No. SayI’m a hotheaded jerk who needs to maybe see a therapist for my temper and control issues.”
“Lily-Grace!”
“Lower your voice! You’re scaring my dog!”
Jesse’s head fell forward and he pulled in two deep breaths before he started quietly counting to five. Mr. LeRoux was really inside, letting his daughter act like this.
“Just say it out loud, Pleasant. The first step is admitting you have a problem.”
