Page 101 of Romeo

“That wasn’t my question.”

I smiled despite myself.

“No, ma’am.”

“What happens when Georgie tries to stop you?”

“I hope he doesn’t.”

“And if he does?”

“I’m not putting Fiona in a position where she’s forced to choose between her family and me. I won’t do that to her.” I paused. “But I’m also not walking away because Georgie doesn’t like me. Those are two different things.”

Another silence that had my balls crawling up inside my body.

Then Granny said, “She’s not a possession, Jasper.”

The use of my first name landed harder than Mr. DuBois ever could.

“I know.”

“Do you?”

I looked down at the number still written on my palm. A few months ago, I might’ve given her a different answer.

Tonight, I knew better.

“I knew what Fiona meant to me before she knew my middle name. That doesn’t mean I get to decide what I mean to her. She gets that choice.”

Nothing came through the phone for several seconds.

Then Granny sighed. “You might be smarter than you look.”

I laughed. “I get that a lot.”

“I doubt it.” That made me laugh harder.

“Saturday,” she said. “What time?”

I stopped. “Does that mean...?”

“Yes. You have my permission to take Fiona to prom.”

Relief hit so fast I leaned back against the wall.

“But, Romeo?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“You call me Granny. Mrs. Steiner makes me feel old.”

My smile widened. “Yes, Granny. And thank you.”

“I’m giving you a chance, not handing you my daughter.”

“I know.”

“Good. Don’t make me regret it.”