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Fuck.
That woman is starting to get to me. I also learned that she does not like being attracted to me. It made her jumpy.
I might have just figured out the way to get rid of her.
Just thinking about those words has my chest tightening. This is usually the precursor to a freak-out for me. I haven’t had any panic attacks since I was seventeen, but the thought of not seeing Avery has my pulse scrambling and my head hurting. What the hell?
I shake my head and try to clear it. I don’t even like the woman. She stole my house and forced a cat on me, although I have always had an affinity for cats. Also, I get a little thrill that I seem to be the only man Meredith likes. It irritates Avery, and, in turn, that amuses me. I don’t think I have ever had an adversary relationship with a woman before now.
Wait. I don’t have a relationship with Avery O’Bryan. She just needs to get out of my house and leave me alone. Then, maybe, I’ll be able to work again.
After leaving the city limits of Juniper, the road opens up, and it gives me time to contemplate my next move. She definitely doesn’t like the idea that she’s attracted to me. Avery makes me think she’d run for the hills if I came on to her. But I don’t want to be a creep, so that’s out. Maybe if I just walk around with my shirt off? She seemed particularly irritated with that. If I do that, and perhaps if I’m nice to her, she’ll leave and go wherever.
Another hitch in my chest has me rolling my shoulders.
I park in the circular drive and make my way inside. This house is a monstrosity that I hope Nancy is forced to contend with someday. I definitely don’t want it.
Stepping into the house, I listen for noises to figure out where my grandmother is.
“In here, Jon.”
I head to the parlor. She’s sitting in one of the chairs closest to the window that looks out on the butterfly garden.
“Good morning.”
She turns and, for a second, looks so much older, as if the weight of the world is on her shoulders. She’s always been a strong woman. I think my mother once described her as having a steel spine. She had to. It couldn’t be easy dealing with all of the Howards. But right now, she looks as if she would rather just not deal with anything.
Then, the look disappears in an instant, and she’s the same independent woman. Is she sick? It would be just like my grandmother not to tell us if she’s sick.
“Good morning, Jon. How are you this morning?”
“Well, since I was summoned to your house, not that great.”
She rolls her eyes. I don’t think I ever remember my grandmother rolling her eyes. It’s weird. There are a few other things that have me worrying. I’ve never contemplated life without my grandmother. She’s always been there, like the sun. Steady, sure, and she can burn you if you aren’t careful.
“Quit complaining. Let’s go have breakfast. There are pancakes.”
She rises out of the chair, and for the first time, I realize just how small she is. She barely reaches my shoulder. But she’d always been bigger than life during my youth and beyond.
Once we’re seated and have our breakfasts in front of us, I dig in. There’s a churning in my gut. Is she about to tell me she’s dying?
“Why are you looking like that?”
I blink and realize I have been staring at her like a goober.
“No reason.”
Another eye roll.
“I want you to be here to help me host the annual charity event next weekend.”
My grandmother does a lot of good in the community—more than many people realize. I know she’s the one who funded the new hospital, and she’s the one who helped start the new animal shelter. This is the first time she has insisted that I help her host.
“You want me to help host?”
Why is that giving me a tickle in the back of my throat?
She nods. “Nancy never took to it, and while she and Travis will be here, along with all of the Hawthornes, I need someone by my side.”
