"There was a reality show proposal?"
"Three, actually.One of them wanted to follow you and Sage planning your wedding."
"We're not getting married.”
"Tell that to your grandmother."
I look up."My grandmother?"
"Beatrice Sterling has called nine times since seven AM.She wants to know why she had to find out about your new relationship from the Seattle Times instead of from you directly."Daniella's grin turns wicked."She's also very excited about the possibility of great-grandchildren."
My phone immediately starts ringing, as if summoned by our conversation.
The caller ID shows exactly what I expected.
Beatrice Sterling herself.
"I have to take this," I tell Daniella.
"Good luck," she says, heading for the door."Oh, and the SafeStay panel reviews came in this morning.They're on your desk."
She disappears, leaving me alone with my ringing phone and a growing sense of dread.
I answer on the fourth ring.“Good morning, Nana."
"Lukas Thomas Sterling."My grandmother's voice could cut glass."Do you want to explain to me why I'm reading about your love life in the newspaper instead of hearing it from my own grandson?"
“Why I’m fantastic.Thanks for asking.Yes, I’m having a great morning.Appreciate your concern.”
“Don’t get smart with me, Lukas.I’m serious.”
“I’m serious, too, Nan.It's not what it looks?—"
"It looks like you finally came to your senses and found yourself a nice girl who isn't afraid of hard work."
I lean back in my chair, already exhausted by this conversation."Nana, I'm not dating anyone.”
"The newspaper says otherwise."
"The newspaper is wrong."
"The newspaper has photographs, Lukas.Very romantic photographs of you looking absolutely smitten with a lovely young woman named Sage Winters in what appears to be a charming mountain inn."
I close my eyes."Those photographs are taken out of context."
"Context, schmcontext.You look happy.Happier than you've looked since..."She pauses.“Well, anyway, I just hate seeing you as alone as you’ve been lately.By the way…” she trails off, voice tightening, “have you heard from Kevin?”
Just the sound of his name makes heat flame underneath my collar.
“Nana, I’m not alone.I have work?—"
"Work isn't the same as love, darling.And you can't let what happened with…her color every relationship for the rest of your life."
The familiar knot forms in my stomach."Nana, let’s not talk about this.”
"Well, why not?I mean, you broke up with that lovely doctor?—"
"Amanda."
