Page 82 of Finding Storm

“That was amazing. Thank you, Stella,” Nick says, resting back in his chair.

“Awesome as always, Gran.” Beck gets up out of his seat.

“Um … where are you disappearing off to?” I frown at him.

Beck pauses, resting his hands on the back of the chair he just vacated. “I’ve got a hot date.”

I snort. “Since when do you date?”

My brother is notorious for his noncommittal ways.

“I don’t. But I didn’t want to say in front of Gran that I’m going to hook up with this hot college chick I met earlier.”

The mention of college girls even now makes me bristle a little.

“Ugh.” I pull a disgusted face.

“Well, you asked.”

“I didn’t,” Gran says, a look of mild distaste on her face.

“Sorry, Gran.” Beck grins at her.

“Well, before you disappear, you’re helping clean up,” I tell him.

“Ah, come on!” he complains, glancing at the time on his Apple Watch. “You’re gonna make me late.”

“Aw, poor Beck. Gonna be late for some random hook-up. My heart bleeds.”

“Oh, let him go.” Gran waves him off.

“You’re the best.” Beck slaps a kiss on her cheek. Then, he gives me a winner’s smirk.

I stick my tongue out at him.

“Later,” he calls, running out of here like his ass is on fire.

Well, as gross as it is, at least one of the Cavallis is getting some.

Nick pushes his chair back, taking his plate with him. “Let me help clean up.”

“No way.” Gran waves him back down. “You’re a paying guest. You’ll take that plate into the kitchen over my dead body. Bryan, Stevie, and I have got this. You go relax.”

“Uh … well,” Dad pipes up, “I did say I’d go meet Pete at the pub for a beer.”

Gran shoots Dad an annoyed look. I guess grandkids get off easier than kids do.

Honestly, I don’t know why either of us is surprised. This is a regular occurrence around here. Gran and I are usually left to clear up after dinner.

“Go on then. Off with you,” Gran chides him.

“Thanks, Mom.” Dad kisses her cheek. Then, he comes around and kisses the top of my head. “Later, baby girl.”

“Have fun, Daddy.”

“You too.”

Yep, I’m going to be having all the fun, washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen down.