“Then I’ll need all of your help to whip this place into shape.”
They all nod yes as I pour champagne, and we raise our glasses. “Let’s focus on getting this spa ready.” We clink glasses.
TEN
Dane
My gram won’t let me forget that we have dinner plans tonight. I promised her, so there’s no going back on my word. Stepping out of the courtroom, I head to meet her. She gives me perspective and always has some insight that I haven’t thought about. Right now, I need some.
Gram drives herself everywhere, which I am grateful for because she’s meeting me at the restaurant down the street. It’s less than a five-minute walk. A few blocks away, I turn into the restaurant and find my Gram sitting at one of the tables by the large, almost floor-to-ceiling windows.
With a warm grin, I say, “Gram, glad we can do dinner again.” And hug her tight. She pats me on my back.
I slide into the chair across from her.
“I’m sure you’ve had a long day in court, so I love that you still want to have dinner with your Gram.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Well, I really enjoy our dinners.” She leans over the table and grabs my face. “You look exhausted. Have you been sleeping?”
“Not that much. This is a big case for us.”
“Well, dear, even though they say you can sleep when you’re dead. If you haven’t lived, then what’s all this worth anyway…I want you to think about that.”
“I know, Gram, I will.” I rub the back of my neck and say, “What’s going on in your world?”
“Nothing much; the girls and I are heading to the casino next week to play bingo.”
“Do you think any of you will be lucky enough to win?”
“We usually have pretty good luck when we go. I’ll let you know.” She takes a sip of her water and then says, “Let’s talk about you. How’s your love life? Dating anyone.”
The love life talk again. She’s been good about not bringing it up every time we get together, but I’m not getting out of it tonight.
“Same as usual, Gram. I don’t have time for a love life. My schedule is ridiculous; no woman would stick around. You know that.”
“Maggie wasn’t for you. It doesn’t mean there isn’t someone out there who will be perfect for you. I know a woman who might just keep you on your toes. That’s what you need—someone who can match your ambition, your intensity, and your big heart. It’s in there, you know. I see it. You may think it’s buried too far down there, but it isn’t.” She taps me on the heart.
It’s coming…she’s about to try to set me up again. The last three ended up being complete disasters. Take them on a date, bring them back to the hotel room, and then they want to get married. Not for me. Yes, I’m at that age where women want to find someone to settle down and have babies. I don’t think I'm that kind of guy.
But Kendall might be the exception, and I’m looking forward to our date. I stick to the line in the sand and tell her, “No setups.”
“Do you remember what happened with the last few dates you set me up on? They didn’t end well.”
“Dane, I know it’s hard for you to trust for good reason. Not every woman is Maggie. She didn’t know a good thing when it was standing right in front of her. And your buddy, Bill…” Gram shakes her head. “Well, shame on him. It’s time to heal from that relationship; otherwise, you will continue down the path you are on and end up alone and lonely.”
“Gram, I am not lonely. I’m alone, and I love it that way.”
She gives me one of her looks, eyebrow raised and a smile on her face. I can’t get anything past her. She knows me too well. I’d never admit it out loud, but I am lonely sometimes. It felt good the night I was with Kendall, then at breakfast the next morning, and during the brief time we spent together at the coffeehouse. The best part of the past few weeks has been the text messages. She is so fucking sassy. I can’t wait to take her out to dinner. Maybe, just maybe, I'll show her a side of me she’s been missing.
“Will you at least think about the woman I’d like to set you up with?”
“I’ll think about it. But I’m swamped.”
“Your grandfather told you that you could do whatever you put your mind to. That’s not just for work, my dear. It’s for all the things in your life. What you make a priority grows, and your grandfather and I knew that.”
“You guys had a special kind of love.” My head bows down and back up to meet my Gram’s eyes.
