“Do you also think I don’t know how to cash a check or work the PayPal?”
I hold my tongue as she calls itthePayPal.
“You’re also forgetting who gave you your love for cooking.” She sighs dramatically, leaning forward in her seat and pats my face twice.
“Do you remember when you were thirteen, you were a pissed little thing, and who could blame you? Everything you and Graham lost, it was unfathomable,” she says, tears flooding her eyes when she thinks about her son, my da, and my mum. “You were getting in trouble all the time at school and it’s then I learned how bored you were. What did I do?”
I clear my throat. “You got me in the kitchen.”
“That’s right. You started helping me cook for guests, you became enthralled with it, and God, Callum, it’s your gift. When Graham was sad and didn’t know how to contain it, he met Jamie and fell in love with animals. Everyone has different things that they need to feel better. I’ve been keeping you so busy because ever since Fiona left, you’ve been listless. So much like that young teenage boy who was mad at the world over the cards dealt to him.”
“You’re keeping me so busy here because you think I need it?”
“What else would you be doing when you aren’t working at the tavern? It’s not so different with Maisie. It’s not that I need more business, sure I’d love to have more guests, but we don’t need it financially. Maisie is the same, you know? She’s lost, and this is what she needs.”
I scratch the side of my cheek, feeling like an ass, not an uncommon feeling for me as of late.
“She’s not Fiona, Callum. She’s a kind girl, she’s just figuring herself out. If you actually took the time to get to know her, maybe you’d realize it too.”
“She’s leaving in a few weeks, Nan. Why does no one seem to understand this?”
“I’m not saying you need to fall in love with her, Callum. What I’m saying is, maybe show her the same kindness that eleven-year-old boy needed when his parents died. You remind me so much of him, you know?” she says, like she’s picturing my da right now. “Always so serious, ferociously independent, but at the center of it all is a good man.”
Now I’m feeling myself get emotional, because I don’t feel like a good man; I feel like a disappointment.
“Now, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t leave any more comments on our whatever it’s called page. Maisie will help as I see fit. This is still my business and unless you or your brother plan on stepping in, which I don’t see that happening, then I’m going to need you to mind your own.”
“Yes, Nan,” I reply and she stands, kissing the top of my head like I’m a little boy again.
“I’m proud of you, grandson.”
She leaves me in the kitchen to my thoughts and I think back to all the nights Graham and I would sit at this very counter eating treats late at night when we weren’t supposed to. It was weird when your grandparents became your guardians because they had to balance being stern caregivers versus the no-rules grandparents they used to be. Graham and I were pretty good at skirting the rules, though.
My empathy for Maisie grows. Even though she’s an adult, it’s never easy to lose your parents and here I’ve been a fucking prick to her the moment she got here.
I’m not sure if it’s because Greer and Lain were instantly drawn to her while they didn’t feel that deeply for Fiona thewhole year we were together. Maybe it’s because I know that I’m going to lose my pack if I don’t change and she’s a symbol of that.
I’ve been unfair and judgmental but I don’t know how to stop. I’m not sure how to not feel resentment toward her, because I know how it feels to lose an Omega you care about and I don’t want Greer and Lain to have to go through that.
With a groan, I take my phone out of my pocket.
This weekend is just what I need.
Graham
Siblings trip!
I roll my eyes with a slight smile and put my phone away. I can’t think about Maisie while I’m on the coast with my brother. Maybe some fresh air and a new perspective will help things.
Not wanting to go home and face Greer and Lain, and likely a half-naked Maisie, I take one of the vacant rooms at the B&B.
It was mine and Graham’s childhood room, and as I lie on the twin-sized bed, I make some choices. I’m going to make things right with Greer and Lain. Once Maisie leaves and they mend their hearts, we’ll start courting again. The menu at Greer’s needs a facelift and a project like that will make me feel productive. Lastly, I’m going to spend more time with Graham and my Nan. I don’t want them to pity me a second longer.
I’m done letting one bad relationship keep me in this funk. The bed creaks as my too-large form turns on the bed. I don’t remember it being this uncomfortable or small.
As I’m trying to sleep, a boom of thunder rattles in the distance and I know I won’t be able to sleep here. I might as well risk it and go home.
I put my shirt back on and quietly head downstairs. It’s then that I round the corner, her back is facing me and I know I should keep my nose out of her business, but it’s clear as daythat she’s putting in job applications. She’s holding what looks like a tablet, headphones over her ears while she hums, scrolling through job listings.
