“It’s great working with him.”
Gram has always been there for me. I’m a different person around her, which is interesting, because I’m not opening up to her about Kendall. Maybe it’s because I have no idea what I’m feeling. It’s foreign to me. I’ve never caught feelings before with a one-night stand. It’s deeper this time, from the minute I laid eyes on her.
Off topic, I blurt out, “Gram, sometimes I don’t know what I’m feeling, and it ends up coming out as anger.”
“That’s alright. When you can finally sort through and delve deeper into yourself, that’s why Gram is here. So, what has you so angry? I know you better than that. You can’t hide from me. You left the table fine and came back angry and upset.”
“The thing is, I really don’t know. It’s confusing,” I say, massaging my neck to release some of the tension.
“So what happened between then and now? I haven’t seen you this worked up since ‘you know who.’” She leans in and rubs my arm.
“You can say her name…Maggie.” I shake my head, thinking about that horrible relationship. It was good at the beginning, but it all went to hell when she slept with my best friend. It’s an image that haunts me. I thought she was the one. Now, when I look back, I wanted her to be the one, but in reality, she was not the kind of woman I wanted on my arm. The future for me doesn’t include a woman, or so I thought. I swore them off to concentrate on the firm and winning cases, as the top defense attorney in the city. Work is easy for me, but relationships not so much.
Shaking my head, I continue. “Okay, so I met a woman.” Her eyes light up like a Christmas tree. “Gram, don’t get excited, it was casual.” Without getting too detailed, I keep it simple. She doesn’t need to know I prefer one-night stands over trying to make anything work out by dating. Dating is overrated in my book. Or that’s what I thought until Kendall said no to me last week. When she said yes today, I was about ready to celebrate with a party. She brings out something in me—life, happiness, hope.
“Go on.” She gestures with her hands.
“I’ve never met anyone like her. From the moment I saw her, all I have done is think about her. Seeing her. Talking to her.”
“And the problem is…”
“She’s different. When I’m around her or think about her, I smile. It’s hard to describe it to you.”
“Ah, now I see.” She says it like I dropped a truth bomb, and all is coming together for her.
“I saw her when I came out of the bathroom, but she’s here with another guy. She says they are just friends.”
“Why would you question her? Do you think she would lie to you?”
“No? Maybe? I don’t know.”
My head is hurting. I don’t think she’d lie to me, but trust is earned, not given freely. I’ve been burned before, and it’s part of who I am. The one time I gave it freely, it bit me in the ass—thanks to Maggie.
“Oh dear, you’re in a real pickle.”
“Gram, it’s hard to trust, but with her, I don’t want to question it. She seems sincere. But maybe I shouldn’t be doing this.”
Now talking with Gram about this, I think I’m making a mistake by asking Kendall on a date. I’m way better at one-night stands. I work a lot. Most women won’t tolerate that kind of schedule.
“Ah, well, that’s where you’re wrong. This could be good for you, and you’ll never know unless you decide to give it a shot.”
“Ugh, I don’t know. Kendall is independent, successful, and gorgeous. What can I offer her? Long workdays and canceled plans.”
Gram’s face lights up, and a broad smile spreads across her face. I can see all of her teeth.
“So her name is Kendall, huh? Okay, well, why don’t you go home and think about how you’re feeling right now, as she’s having dinner with that other guy? Then grow some balls and get over yourself.”
Gram never holds back and tells me like it is. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Gram!” I laugh. “Why don’t we get you home?”
“Pushing me home so soon. Was it something I said? Anyway, we can talk in the morning when you come to pick me up at 6:30.”
“What are you talking about?”
I rarely forget things, so this is coming out of left field.
“Oh, you're going to help one of my friends move some furniture. Now, before you argue with me about how busy you are, it won’t take too long.”
