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The club was closed even though it wasn’t one of our normal days off since Benji had rented out the entire first floor to film some special for a competition. Initially, Reese had planned to hang around to offer any help that was needed (even though he didn’t act anymore he knew his way around a shoot), but he ended up leaving that to Katie.
With the bonus I had gotten from the scene with the Byrnes I had been able to catch up on this month’s bill, so I decided to use the day off to go see my grandmother. Reese had asked if I wanted to grab lunch with him, but when I told him I was going to see Jeanie he had caught me off guard and asked to come with. He had heard me talk about her before, and he knew that she was the one who raised me, but he had never met her. I hadn’t been able to come up with a good reason to say no, so we were on our way.
Reese nodded. “I’ve always wanted to meet her. She managed to raise you, so she must be something special.”
I couldn’t argue with that.
Grandma Jeanie was the best person in the world.
She was nearing 86, but her eyes were bright and her mind was sharp. Her body was the only thing that failed her. My father, my brother, cousins, aunts, and uncles were all still alive. Hell, my mother was probably out there somewhere, though no one had heard from her in more than 20 years. But Jeanie was the only one I’d call family. She was the only one that mattered.
She was playing Solitaire when we walked in, and her face lit up in an instant. The cards sat forgotten on the table as she stood and pulled me into her arms, surrounding me with the scent of roses that always seemed to float around her.
When she broke away she turned towards Reese, appraising him. She tilted her head towards me and let out a wolf whistle. “You always bring me the best eye candy.”
I shook my head, shooting an apologetic look at Reese, but he only laughed. “Grandma, this is Reese.”
She clapped her hands together at the name. “The one you live with?” I nodded, and she gave me a weak slap on the arm. “Why did it take you so long to bring him around? I don’t bite.”
Reese winked. “I do.”
Jeanie let out her musical laugh and wrapped her arm around his. “I like this one. Come, let’s sit.”
She sat us around the little table in her room. It was a small suite with a bed, kitchenette, and bathroom. Everything was taken care of by the staff, and I had spent hours upon hours searching for a facility that was up to my standards. She was well taken care of, but that didn’t make it easier.
It was easier than I had expected. We talked about the club, at least, a watered-down version. There were some things even Jeanie didn’t need to know.
She asked about my best friend Oliver and his family, so I told her that his sister Daphne had found a partner. I had always suspected that Daphne had been holding herself back, and everything made sense once she ended up with Marina.
Jeanie already knew about Oliver and Ben. Oliver had been important to me since we were in college, which meant he was important to Jeanie too. She had never been one to do things halfway, so she had befriended his entire family. None of them seemed to mind.
I was sure she would like Marina. She had taken to Ben immediately when Oliver introduced him - but she had always had a soft spot for attractive men. Like grandmother like grandson, I supposed.
When she had satisfied her curiosity about Daphne she turned to me. “So, will I be meeting your partner any time soon?”
“I told you; I don’t have a partner.”
She waved her hand at me. “And I don’t believe it. You have that look about you. It’s the same look you had in high school before I walked in on you making out with that Percy boy.”
Reese did a poor job at stifling a laugh. I jabbed my elbow at him and frowned at Jeanie. “You didn’t even like Percy.”
“Of course I didn’t.” She leaned in towards Reese, “The boy only wanted to get in his pants.”
“Oh my God, grandma I told you it wasn’t like that.”
She ignored me. “He didn’t want to be seen with him in school. Now, I fully respect that everyone has their own journey, but if someone makes my grandson cry they lose all rights to my sympathy.”
I buried my face in my hands. “Why are we talking about this?”
“I understand.” Reese’s voice was soft, but serious. “When the people we love are hurting, we would do anything to take away the pain, no matter what the cost.”
I cleared my throat. Things were getting a touch too heavy for a lighthearted visit. “Anyway, you’ll be the first to know if I find someone,” I promised, returning to her earlier question.
“Mmhhmm.” She cut her eyes conspiratorially towards Reese. “You make sure to let me know.”
She was a meddler, but I loved her anyway. Jeanie had been the only real parent I ever knew. I would do anything for her. Anything.
We talked for a while. Jeanie had always been able to keep a conversation going. But after a bit I could tell she was getting tired, so I sent a pointed glance at Reese and he understood.
