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Fucking hope so.
I look up just in time to see Gramps come through the door to my office, located at the back of the shop past the lobby area and product display. On the other side of this office sits the workshop where I clean and repair boards.
“How you know I'm dragging ass?”
“Don't kill the messenger,” Gramps says as he points his cane at me. He takes a seat in front of my desk, his long tan face looking tired yet sun-kissed. I know he spends the majority of the day in the sun, soaking up the rays and warmth.
Since his stroke, he's often chilly and wears sweaters well into the warmer months. I like that the summer heat brings him some comfort from the cooler weather.
I whistle under my breath. “Word sure does travel fast around here.”
“That and the fact that I heard you come in around, what was it? Four a.m.?”
“Nah, Gramps. Rocky had to pee, that's all.”
He snickers.
“Tell me another one. I know that dog’s schedule as well as you.”
I could never get anything past this wise old man. “I hit up the beach party last night.”
Gramps’s eyebrows rise in surprise. “I thought you hated those.” His words echo Brock’s from earlier.
Who says I hate every beach party?
The truth is, I was feeling lonely as hell and wanted to get out of the house. I figured I'd take a walk past it, but as I ventured farther in, I grew curious. Then I grew a craving for a beer.
Minutes later, I stumbled into Addi, and my night took an unexpected turn. A nice one, at that. Admitting that is hard, but it was cool to enjoy time with a woman who I didn't want to fuck and forget.
“Usually, I don't go because it’s not my thing. But I ended up there on my walk and got a beer.”
Gramps nods and rubs Rocky's neck. My crazy dog nuzzles his head under Gramps’s arm until he rubs with both hands. Always wins. “Meet anyone?”
My eyes squint, my mouth curving upward into a smirk. “Actually, I did.” Gramps knows everything about me. More than I tell Jay and Brock. Well, more details, that is.
He's helped me through my worst days and never judged or scorned me for what I did or for what happened. That's why I'll always take care of him, making sure he's comfortable and happy until he takes his last breath.
“Good for you. I was hoping you did. Anyone nice?”
I nod. “A girl.”
Gramps sits up straight at the first mention of s girl. He's been wanting me to date for a while now, telling me how life is lonely without a partner. I refuse to believe it. I'll be fine without a life partner. What's so bad about coming and going as you please and finding casual sex when you need it?
Absolutely nothing.
But of course, the grass is never greener.
Because at night, you're wishing you had someone to watch TV and eat ice cream with, or someone to sleep next to, whispering and giggling into the darkness before passing out in each other's arms.
“Oh, yeah? Tell me about your night.”
I go over the events with Gramps, leaving out the graphic details, but I'm sure he knows where the night went. He knows I occasionally have casual sex, but that's as far as it goes.
“Have you thought about seeing her again?”
I shrug and toss my pen down, slamming my book shut. It's time to close, and I can't look at those damn numbers any longer. “Who knows. Maybe another time or two but nothing serious.”
“Why not try dating her?” Gramps pushes gently. He knows I don't date, so what's he trying to get at here?
