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“Very nice to meet you,” Harry said, offering his hand to her. “Hope you enjoyed dancing tonight.”
“Tonight was lots of fun.” Granny Lynn took his hand in both of hers and turned it over. “No ring. Are you married? Girlfriend? Boyfriend?”
“Single.” Harry glanced at me briefly, then addressed Granny Lynn. “You asking me out?”
Granny Lynn giggled. I couldn’t help smiling. He had every geriatric woman in the greater Stanmore district swooning this week.
“I’m going to set up a house call for you to see Granny Lynn about her hip tomorrow,” I said.
“It’s a date.” He winked at Granny Lynn who giggled again.
Ryan groaned.Better up your game at lawnmowing, dear brother. An orderly came up, laying a hand on Granny Lynn’s arm.
“Sorry to interrupt. Mrs Hughes, it’s time for bed now.”
Granny Lynn finally let Harry’s hand go.
“Hmph, just when it’s starting to get interesting. I used to stay up all hours at my grandmother’s parties, drinking, dancing, carousing. Now I’m packed off like a toddler for my bedtime,” she grumbled. “Oh well, see you next week, Stacey, for more dancing. Bring this single doctor with you. And Ryan. We need more men under the age of seventy-five.”
Ryan looked pained at the suggestion.
“Love to, Mrs Hughes.” Harry winked again.
“You,” she pointed at my brother. “You remind me so much of your great-grandfather, James Ezekiel Turner. In looks and your distinctive frown, too. Uncanny.”
He blinked. “Dad used to say that all the time.”
Granny Lyn’s smile faded. “Your father was a good man.”
“The best,” I whispered.
An ache burned in my chest. Ryan nodded; his lips in a tight, thin line.
Harry watched us but said nothing.
“Miss you Turner kids. It’s been ages since you lot came for a swim in the pool, all hooting and carrying on. I liked your visits.” Granny Lynn pulled me down closer. “Check out the house and see what you think it needs. Key under the red pot near the back door.”
I nodded.
“Goodnight, all. My driver insists we leave the ball before I turn into a pumpkin.”
The orderly wheeled Granny Lynn down the corridor, leaving me in between Ryan and Harry.
“Ready to go, Stacey?” Harry asked.
“She’s coming home with me,” Ryan said in a low voice, facing off Harry with hands on hips.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
I turned to Harry, ready to apologise for Ryan’s behaviour. He was staring back at my brother with narrowed eyes. Before I could say a word, Harry broke into an easy smile. “Of course. Good luck with her car.” To me, he added, “you need a lift tomorrow for work?”
“Yes, okay,” I said quickly, not wanting Ryan to volunteer as my chaperone. “Thank you.”
“Can I get your number?” Harry offered me his phone. “I’ll text to let you know I’m on my way.”
I swiftly entered my number and gave it back. “Thank you again for your help with the music tonight.”
Ryan made an impatient noise behind me. I sighed.
