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“What are your friends yapping about now?” Pops asked, then took another huge bite of breakfast. It seemed his appetite was back in full force.
“They’re asking about you, Pops,” Steph said. “And chatting about the barbecue they’d planned.”
She felt Cal’s gaze on her.
“You kids going?” Pops asked.
Steph frowned. “No, I already told them I’m not leaving you alone.”
He waved a hand. “I’m as good as new.”
“Whatever, Pops,” she said. “You were in the hospital an hour ago.”
“What if we take him?” Cal said. “I can stay another night, and he can get out a little. Then you won’t have to cancel on your friends.”
“It might be too taxing on Pops—”
“I’d love to go,” he cut in, holding up a piece of French toast speared on a fork. “Isn’t it at Ian Hudson’s cabin? I’ve wanted to see what he’s done with that place.”
Steph looked from Pops to Cal. “Are you serious?”
Both men said “yes” at the same time.
“All right,” she said, holding back a surprised laugh. “I’ll text them.”
“If they say no about letting me crash the party, that’s okay,” Pops said. “I’ve got a game to catch up on.”
“They already said yes.” Steph reached for her phone to turn it back on. “They suggested it when I backed out.” She texted her friend group.We’re coming after all. Pops, too. I’ll put together a dessert.
“Well, there you go.” Pops chuckled as if he were pleased with himself. “It’s been a while since I’ve had some good old-fashioned barbecue.” He looked pointedly at Steph. “No offense.”
“No offense taken.” She eyed her grandpa. “But I think you should take a nap first. The hospital put you through the wringer.”
Pops gave an approving nod. “She’s a master planner,” he said to Cal, who only smiled. “I guess that’s my hint to give you some alone time.”
“Pops, that’s not what I meant.” Steph’s cheeks had warmed, and she avoided looking at Cal.
But Cal nudged her leg with his knee under the table.
She finally looked over at him, and felt something in her chest hitch. Gratitude flooded through her. If she was going to be teased about anyone, she was happy it was Cal.
Once their meal was over, he said, “I’ll clean up, and you can help Pops get situated.”
“I can manage.” Pops slapped his hands on the table, then pushed himself up from the chair.
He swayed a little, and Steph hurried to his side.
“I stood too fast,” he mumbled, but he still accepted her arm as they walked down the hall.
She walked him into his bedroom, where he insisted on taking everything from there. But still she waited outside the door, until he called out, “My head’s on the pillow. You can stop spying on me now. Tell that man of yours thanks for his help today.”
“All right, Pops, have a good nap. Love you.”
He mumbled something that sounded like, “Love you, too.”
Steph headed down the hall, smiling to herself. Once she reached the kitchen, she paused to watch Cal washing the dishes. Just as he said he would.
She wanted to cross the room and wrap her arms about his waist from behind. Instead, she stayed put and said, “Thanks for doing that, Cal.”
