“Hey. Do you hug, or . . .”
Luna smiled. “Sure.”
They tentatively hugged one another, Grant pulling away and shuffling his feet as he looked over at Reagan. “Is your stuff in the car?”
They all went back to Reagan’s car to get the girls’ things. Grant insisted on carrying all of it as he led them up the stairs and inside. Luna felt at home the minute she stepped inside and saw the sagging couch and beige carpet. It smelled heavenly, and Luna said so as Reagan hung up her coat and Grant stepped into the kitchen
“Oh, Grant’s a great cook. It smells like his famous chili.”
Grant shot her a grin as he came back into the living room. “And it’s ready whenever you are, sweetheart.”
“Let me show Luna my room and we’ll be right out.”
Grant kissed her on the head as she passed him to the hallway. She’d not only missed him, she’d missed the comfort of their home. It was familiar, it was cozy, and there was nobody to avoid. She hoped Luna would feel welcome for the next four days.
“Here’s my room. Put your stuff wherever, I’m not picky. Trust me, the only reason the room is clean is because I was leaving and I didn’t want Grant to have to clean it for me.”
Luna laughed. “You’re a slob.”
“Yep, and not ashamed of it. I’ll try to keep it tidy for your sake like I do at the dorm.”
They smirked at each other for a second before dropping their things on Reagan’s bed and going to the kitchen where they found Grant ladling chili into bowls.
“Hey. What do you want to drink?” he asked them.
“Milk, if you made it three-alarm.”
He chuckled. “Naw, only two-alarm. Didn't know how spicy Luna would want it.”
“Then whatever soda you have is fine.”
“Coming up.”
“Don’t get used to it,” Reagan said in a lowered voice to Luna. “He doesn't normally serve me, he’s just happy I’m home and wants you to feel special.”
“I’m good with self-serve,” Luna responded.
“Here you go.” Grant heard his sister, and he smiled to himself. He did miss her, and he wanted to make a good impression on her friend.
They sat in silence for a few minutes as they ate. Luna was impressed at how good the chili was; despite Reagan’s claims, Luna had gone on the assumption that she was talking up her brother. Turned out hewasa good cook.
“How’s school treating you, Ray?” Grant finally asked.
She swallowed and tried to find a diplomatic answer. “Much better with Luna and Davis to bail me out of my terrible dorm situation.”
“Davis? He your boyfriend?” Grant glared a laser-focused hole in Reagan’s head, but she just laughed.
“Nope, he’s Luna’s complication, not mine.”
Luna blushed and Reagan laughed some more. Grant relaxed. His sister had mentioned friends, more specifically, Luna, but never mentioned a boyfriend. He had a combination of hopes for her, like staying safe but being happy.
“No boys for you?”
“No boys,” she promised. Hudson was a grown man, after all. Not that he acted like it half the time.
“I’ve been friends with Davis for a few years. He’s a good guy, so you don’t have to worry about Reagan. One or the other of us is always looking out for her.”
“Why aren’t you dating him if he’s a good guy?” Grant asked casually.
