“Hmm,” says Nash. “I’m going incognito these days. Can’t tell you how nice it’s been not getting recognized when I leave the house.”
“How long is that going to last?”
Nash shrugs. “No idea. But I’m enjoying it while it does.”
“Want to tell me why you summoned me here?”
“Because I need you, buddy. And let’s be honest, it’s where you want to be.”
Grandma comes striding out of the kitchen with a bottle of beer in her hand and the strained smile still in place. “Here we go. Take a seat.”
“Thank you,” says Charlie, taking his place on the three-seater couch opposite us.
“Are you hungry? I can put a plate together.”
“I’m fine, Aud. No need to fuss.”
And the two of them stare at each other. Charlie seems worried, while Grandma appears…I don’t know. Dismayed doesn’t feel right. Thrown might be best. Meanwhile, Nash starts a new song with a satisfied sort of smile on his face.
“It really is good to see you again,” says Charlie. “Tell me about your life here.”
Grandma’s mouth opens but nothing comes out.
“You’re going to love this town,” answers Nash.
Charlie sighs. “I don’t believe I’ll be staying.”
“What?” asks Grandma. “Of course you are. The night at the very least. How long have you been on that bike today?”
“Aud…”
“Nash can sleep on the couch. You take his bed.”
Charlie laughs. “I do like the sound of that.”
“He bought the house next door,” continues Grandma.
“Sounds like that was an unexpected delight,” says Charlie.
“And he’s trying to woo June.”
Charlie frowns heavily. “Is that so?”
“Wait a minute,” says Nash. “I didn’t ask you here so you two could gang up on me.”
“Oh, now that would be a shame, wouldn’t it?” Grandma’s smile is all sharp teeth.
“Ignore him for now,” says Charlie. “Tell me about your life. That’s what I really want to hear about.”
And Grandma settles back into her seat and does so at length.
No sooner has darkness descended on the house than I hear gentle knocking. My bedroom door opens and Nash wanders in wearing a pair of blue jeans and nothing else. What is it with this man and being half-naked? He’s cast in shadows as he closes the door behind him. Next comes the soft sound of steps on the rug, followed by a hard thunk as his foot hits something.
“Ow,” he whispers. “That would be your suitcase.”
“I’m not sure you being in here is such a good idea.”
“Audrey’s too busy worrying about her other guest to mind us,” he says. “And you know that couch is too small for me. Besides which, we’re not going to do anything.”
