Charlie grunts in reply.
We’re standing in the street outside the house he bought. This walk home feels oddly similar to the night the rockstar arrived in town. What with Grandma and I heading back from the bar. The moon hangs low overhead and the stars are shining. Assorted bugs and night birds are doing their thing. The world seems too peaceful, given what just went down.
Or it does until an old car roars past with the driver hanging out the window, shouting, “You suck!”
Nash waves. “Have a nice night, Father Frank.”
“He has a tendency to have big feelings after imbibing a brandy or two,” says Grandma with a frown.
“Sorry we got you in trouble,” I say.
Grandma snorts. “That was bound to happen. It was my choice to keep my mouth shut about you two.”
“I guess so. We really disappointed them.”
“Your motives were pure-ish,” says Grandma. “Give them some time, they’re only hurt because they like you so much.”
“Wonder how long it’ll take for the media to arrive in town,” says Charlie.
Nash sighs. “Could be hours, could be minutes.”
“You’re leaving then?” I say, as casual as can be. Then I take off the huge diamond ring. It takes some work to move it past my knuckle. Like my hand doesn’t like the idea of letting it go. “Guess I should give you this back now.”
He gives the ring a frown.
“We’ll leave you to it.” Charlie ushers Grandma toward her house. “Goodnight.”
Grandma drags her feet. “But June and Nash—”
“Are perfectly capable of sorting out their lives without you. It’s time for bed.”
“It’s time for bed?” repeats Grandma.
“Yes.”
“Oh. So it is. Goodnight!”
“Night.” Then with a whisper, I ask, “Does that man have his hand on my grandmother’s ass?”
Nash nods. “Yeah. He sure does.”
“I, um, okay…”
And Grandma actually giggles as they disappear inside. This is wild. But it’s great seeing her happy. And horny, I guess.
“Keep the ring,” says Nash, like it’s nothing. “You haven’t seen the place yet, have you?”
“I can’t keep the ring. It’s worth a small fortune.”
He shrugs.
“And what about the Volvo?”
“Farmer’s not going to ask for it back,” he says. “Right now, he’s figuring out how to work this new situation to his benefit.”
“Nash…”
But he’s already walking away from me toward the gate in the tall fence. He holds it open for me and in we go. Small solar lights are set amongst the lush garden. Such a beautiful property. It’s like its own private little world. There’s a main three-story wooden house with a separate cottage and garage. They’re all painted navy with white trim. And the bottom level of the main house is set into the side of the hill leading down to the river.
