Page 90 of More Than My Hometown

Standing right by the buffet, peering into an open chafing dish, is the birthday girl herself. Pointing to her, I direct us that way, wanting to see what kind of trouble she’s causing.

“Checking to make sure it’s up to your standards?” I ask, gently nudging her with my shoulder.

“I was checking to make sure that the specific items I requested made the list.”

“Because you thought Dolly wouldn’t follow your request?” I ask.

“It wasn’t Dolly I was worried about,” she snarks, giving me a knowing look.

Oh, got it…

I nod, letting her know I understand. “So, what is it that you requested that’s so special?”

“Chicken ’n dumplings, red beans and dirty rice, and cheddar hush puppies.”

Now that’s a combination. Then again, at one hundred years old, I suppose no one gets to comment on your food choice.

“Sounds fab.”

“It will be, since our Dolly is cooking.”

I laugh. Can’t argue with that.

“Now, Ewan Hayes, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to steal this beauty from you for a little bit,” Grandma continues, looping her arm through mine. “I haven’t gotten near enough time with her since she’s been home.”

Guilt rips through me. I did promise her that we’d have plenty of girl time when I arrived back in town. A promise I have not lived up to, since most of my spare time has been spent with Ewan. Whooops…

“No problem, ma’am. She’s all yours.” He winks at us. “Although, do y’all want me to get you something to drink before I leave you to talk about me? Or are you all set?”

Ewan Porter Hayes!

“Oh, that would be lovely. There’s a lot to catch up on, so I’m sure we will be quite parched.”

Thanks, Grandma…

Ewan nods, turning to leave us and head off in search of drinks. I shake my head, looping my arm through my grandmother’s and leading her over to a table where we can sit.

“Happy Birthday,” I say, making sure she’s securely seated before I grab the chair next to her. “How does it feel to hit this milestone?”

“Psssh.” She waves me off. “When you get to be my age, one birthday is like the next. You’re just happy to see it. I care more about how you are. Haven’t seen you much since Dolly’s wedding. Priorities shifted a bit once you got back into town, huh?”

Ooof, way to call me out…

Then again, I deserve that.

“I didn’t mean to ditch you,” I tell her. “I’m sorry. Things moved fast and⁠—”

“Maisey Margaret Phillips, stop right there. I do not blame you one bit. I’d also pass on hanging out with an old lady like me in favor of some rather respectable wienering.”

Rather respectable wienering? Well, that’s a new one…

I press my lips together, biting down as I try to hold it together and not burst into laughter. Rather respectable wienering. But I’m not sure I can. I need to though. Which means I need to think of something. Anything.

Anything other than Ewan. And his very respectable wienering.

“It is respectable, right?” she follows up. “Based on the way Dolly lit up like a pinball machine once she finally ditched that Jeff guy and upgraded herself to Huxley, I know she is properly taken care of. I assume based on your newfound glow, you are too.”

Heat races up the back of my neck. That’s not a glow; that is straight up fluster. Grandma has always been a straight shooter, but phew…I was not expecting her to come right at me about my sex life.