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“You and Cole get along well.” Gramps starts a conversation after we’ve been walking in silence for a bit, munching away on our cones.
“We do. He’s a good guy. And so far, he doesn’t annoy me much.”
Gramps smirks. “Just you wait.”
“Oh, I’m sure it’s coming.” Rocky runs ahead, playing with his ball, his cone gone the second we gave it to him.
“I like that you two work together to help each other. Your paintings are gorgeous, by the way.”
I flush. “Thank you,” I whisper, grateful for his kind words. It’s nice to hear confirmation of someone else seeing your art the way you do. My mother barely has time to look my way, never mind admire one of my paintings.
“Don’t give up on him, Addi. He’s a tough nut to crack, but there’s a heart of gold under there. I promise you that.”
“Why is he so tough?” I regret the question as soon as it leaves my mouth. I don’t want to put Gramps on the spot, nor do I think Cole would want him telling his business, especially to me. But I can’t help but wonder.
I’ve wondered long enough.
“Cole’s been through a lot. His childhood wasn’t easy. He’s not one to complain to others, but he sure does beat himself up inside his head. The problem is, he doesn’t need to. He’s been dealt a rough hand in life, but in my opinion, he’s handled it well. Doesn’t give himself near enough credit as he should.”
Gramps words start to sink in as I process the meaning. It’s starting to make sense, and some of Cole’s actions seem more understandable. “Has he had a lot of relationships?” Another foot in mouth question but at this point, why should I care?
“You should discuss these things with him. He probably doesn’t want me to be telling you his personal business.”
My heart kicks into overdrive. Fuck, he’s right. I sound like a nosy asshole.
“I’m sorry, you’re right. So far, he won’t tell me anything.”
Gramps laughs under his breath. “I’m not surprised.”
“Maybe one day.” I shrug and watch Rocky run after his ball in the wet sand.
“He had a serious girlfriend before, Addi. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out too well. I’ll let Cole tell you the rest.”
His tidbit of information only makes me want to know more.
So, his heart’s been broken. Makes sense.
There’s something more there, under the surface, but Cole needs to be the one to tell me.
I decide not to ask anything else and shift the conversation to the shop, letting Gramps in on our marketing idea. Never hurts to get another opinion.
