“I appreciate what you did. My Eva would’ve gotten hurt if you hadn’t helped. She was furious when he grabbed her purse.I almost keeled over. I couldn’t believe she ran after him. Is that what you folks in the city do when you’re robbed?” He shivered. “I’d just let the thief have it. But my baby girl probably has important stuff in her purse.”
“Brookline is considered a town,” I said.
“It’s a town packed with people like a city. It’s practically sitting next to Boston. Not to mention how insane the rent is around here. I’m trying to persuade Eva to move up north. She can buy a big house there with the amount of money she shells out for rent here.”
“There’s a hefty price for convenience. We’ve got the best hospitals and colleges here.”
“I suppose,” he huffed. “There’s fire in my girl. Thank you for intervening. Are you free for lunch in a couple of days?”
Wow.
The situation amused me. His granddaughter had rejected me before, and now Grandpa Collins was asking me out. Well, sort of. Regardless, this man just made my day. But if he knew my intentions with Eva, would he still invite me? I liked his friendliness and openness. Again, there was this strange familiarity about him, even though I’d never met him.
An idea sparked in my head. This was my opportunity to get to know Eva and discuss our next meeting and the next steps. Maybe one of them would lead to an actual date.
I didn’t give up on what I wanted. The relentless pursuit of survival had saved my life and made me a successful businessman.
“I’d never say no to lunch with a smart man who has an interesting tattoo on his ass.”
Grandpa Collins burst out laughing, placing a hand on my arm as though we were buddies. “If I want another tattoo, can you recommend a place?”
“My place.” I gestured to the Kessler Building. “Body Canvas.”
His eyes brightened. “You’re a tattoo artist?”
“When there’s time. I have a team that helps me manage all my studios.”
“So you’re successful now?”
I arched an eyebrow at the question. “I’m doing well for myself.”
“Lunch will be at Eva’s place because I’m cooking.” He rubbed his hands together. “To celebrate gettin’ a bad guy off the streets.”
I didn’t know what to say. I was going to be inside Eva’s home. Today almost seemed like fate. I’d never believed in that stuff, but I couldn’t explain it any other way. The dude up there must have understood my desires.Thanks, man.
Eva approached her grandfather, and George came up to me. “You okay?”
“Fine. You know the asshole?” I jerked my chin toward his cruiser.
“There have been a few car break-ins recently along Beacon Street. He could be our guy. I’ll find out after I get his fingerprints. Catch you later.”
I nodded and watched him drive off with his flashing lights.
Grandpa Collins looked at me. “Please thank your friend for me. The good-looking guy wearing the sweater. It was nice of him to stay with me.”
“I’ll let Godfrey know.”
Eva smiled at me. “Thanks again for chasing after the thief. You caught up to him fast.”
Did she think I ran after the idiot because I wanted brownie points with her? That would be absurd. The thought didn’t even occur to me. I ran after him because I feared for her safety. Would she believe me if I told her that?
“Your shop has wonderful plants. I like them,” I lied. Well, I waslearningto like them. They added color and character to my boring office.
She raised one eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate. I didn’t. This wasn’t the time or place for me to admit how many unnecessary plants I’d purchased from her shop.
Grandpa Collins cleared his throat, reminding us of his presence. “Eva, I just invited Kain to have lunch with us in two days. It’s the least we can do. I’m making my special meatloaf. I hope you’re okay with that.”
Disbelief splashed across her face. She opened her mouth to say something, but then she closed it.
