“How do you feel about that?”
“Fine. I knew it’d happen. It’s not against the rules. I don’t want to clean house over it so I was asked and I confirmed it, even said your full name. Since I did and in that context, it won’t feel as if it’s a violation.”
She needed nothing tainting what she had with Arik. Nothing she had to stress about or be on the lookout.
There was nothing to hide either.
Many who had interactions with him said he was a nice guy. Polite, considerate, and generous. Most would focus on the last part.
“You always find a way to make it right.”
“I hear the sarcasm in your voice,” she said. “And I’m not letting it bother me. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“Nope. It won’t take me long. We can chat until then.”
“We can. You haven’t been here long enough for me to ask if you’re settled in. Or I should say you have to be since your luggage is unpacked and it’s all you’ve got.”
“There you go being snarky. I love it.”
She let out a soft laugh. “I’m not trying to be.”
“Even better. I talked to my grandmother today. Found out my father is single again.”
“Are you surprised?”
“Not at all. Brandi didn’t get some trip she wanted. I told you my father was a little light. Guess he asked my grandmother for some money and was told to keep his dick in his pants. She used those words.”
Her mother wouldneversay anything like that, let alone a grandparent.
“Good for Sophie.”
“She doesn’t hold back. My father figured out his finances just fine. My guess is he had enough for payroll, just not to keep up with his personal life.”
“He won’t stay single for long, I’m sure.”
“Not my concern, nor do I care.”
“I wouldn’t either. How is your grandmother doing?”
“Great. She enjoyed her trip at Easter and is back in her routine. I might see if she wants to come visit me here sometime. She didn’t ask, but it’d be nice to see her.”
“That’s sweet. I’d like to see her again. This time it will mean more since we aren’t pretending to be in a relationship.”
“She knows about that too. I confessed.”
“Really? What did she say?”
“That she liked you. I think she appreciates that you had my back. And I know she’d like to see you too, now that she knows the truth.”
“Has she visited you places before?” she asked.
“Not usually unless she was close by for another reason.” He was cleaning the seafood and setting it aside, then pouring sauce and other spices into a pan, filling water in another.
“How often do you visit her?”
“A few times a year. We talk more than anything. I go there between location switches.”
Her head dropped. Not what she wanted him to bring up.
