Chad laughs. “I promise, no ’roids and I’ll talk to the kitchen. Maybe I can bring in something better.”
Bernie scowls. “None of that low-fat stuff.”
“I apologize for my grandmother and her friend,” I say.
“Honey, don’t apologize for me.” Gran waves me off. “Someone’s gotta keep order.”
Chad chuckles, backing away. “Stay out of trouble, you two.”
When he’s out of earshot, Gran turns to Cybil, eyes gleaming. “I like you.”
“I like you too,” Cybil says, smiling—and my traitorous heart skips a beat.
Gran links arms with her. “If you were older, I’d invite you to join our Pearls and Pistols club. ’Course, you’d have to be a resident, but we know how to clear openings when needed, right, Bernie?”
“Sure do,” Bernie says, carefully navigating her walker over the asphalt.
“Gran, that kind of talk makes it premeditated.” I use her keys and open the car door for them.
“Actually, under Texas law, you need intentandan overt act for it to be premeditated.” Cybil winks. “And unless your gran’s got a taser stashed in that floral purse, she’s safe.”
“Ooh, she’s dangerousandsmart.” Gran beams. “I’m glad my Benny has finally found a good girl.”
“Gran,” I warn.
“Poor boy was never the same after that girl broke his heart.”
“Gran,” I repeat, sharper.
“It was pitiful. My boy moped around for ages. What was her name?” She frowns. “Something odd, wasn’t it, Benny?”
I meet Cybil’s gaze and my chest tightens. “Billy. I called her Billy.”
Cybil swallows and an emotion flashes in her eyes so fast I can’t name it. She turns to Gran. “It was lovely meeting you both, but I need to get to the grocery store to pick up some items.”
“Of course.” Gran pats her arm. “I’ll see you at your uncle’s birthday, right?”
“Yes,” Cybil says before leaving.
“Gran, you shouldn’t have said that,” I murmur after Bernie gets settled into the passenger seat and I fold her walker into the back seat.
“Whyever not?” Gran touches my cheek. “The romantic tension nearly knocked me down when the two of you walked over. Besides”—she points at me—“she needs to know you still love her. And you should know she does too.”
“I don’t know, Gran.” I glance across the street and see Cybil’s car still in the parking lot. “Things are... different now.”
Gran pats my cheek—hard. “Don’t give me that nonsense. Take it from me, life’s short. If you find a girl who knows your worst secrets and still splits a biscuit with you in public? You marry that girl.”
I blink. “That’s your benchmark for love? Sharing biscuits in public?”
“You wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for biscuits and benches.” She grins.
Bernie cackles. I groan.
Gran gets into her car and starts her engine. “Go get your girl.”
I watch them drive off, then cross the street. Cybil’s car is still idling.
“You waited?”
