Grammie gasps. “How did you find that out?”
“I got a message from the fiancée’s friend sharing all the details with me. They call it a ‘Hey, Girl’ text.”
She reaches over and wraps an arm around my shoulder awkwardly. She’s never been the super lovey-dovey type, so this is a big step for her.
“I’m so sorry, Laney dear.”
Emotion wells in my throat, and I don’t say anything for a few moments, trying to process life.
“Am I destined to be the one picked for the fun and for my flexibility, but never chosen as the main option?”
Grammie chuckles. “You make it sound like you’re an entrée at a restaurant.”
We both laugh for a moment, and tears escape and run down my cheeks.
“I don’t get it. Things were going well and then nothing. Am I doing something toturn people off?”
She uses her thumb to lift my chin so I’m looking into her eyes. “You are amazing, Laney. If things were great and then he stopped talking to you, that’s on him, not you.”
I nod. “I shouldn’t have to beg people to be in my life.” The words strike a chord in me and I say them again, only slower. “I shouldn’t have to beg people to be in my life.”
“That’s right, Laney. When it’s time, you’ll find someone who doesn’t run from you. And you should never shrink yourself to fit into the box people think you should fit. You’re vibrant and fun, and my greatest blessing.”
I let her hold me for a few more minutes and then remember it. Lifting my head, I say, “I mentioned something about you and Grandpa going to FanFest. And then I said that you do a great job of supporting. All those long hours at my races and track meets—I can’t thank you enough for showing up.”
“Of course. That’s what we do for people we love, Laney Bug.”
For people we love. I let that roll around in my brain for a few moments. “You only met Burton the one time, though. Why did you decide to go to FanFest?”
She lets out a soft laugh. “Oh, Laney. You knew your grandfather wouldn’t let it alone once he heard about grown men beating each other with sticks. Ifigured it would be a good opportunity to see you at work, to support you in something we don’t usually see, and give him that opportunity. Burton didn’t set off any warning bells when we met him, and I actually kind of like the guy. I should say ‘liked’ since he’s being funny with you right now.”
“I want to be you when I grow up, Grammie.”
She lets out a deeper laugh this time. “You want to be a cranky old bat?”
I shake my head. “That’s not how I see you.”
She pauses a beat before she says, “Sometimes how we look at ourselves impacts the way we think others look at us. Keep shining that light of yours, girl, and good things will happen.”
It sounds like a sweet anecdote, but I’m not sure it really applies to my situation. I just wish I knew what was wrong with Burton and what had made him change.
“I should probably get going. I’ve got to pack for a ten-day road trip.”
“Oh, that sounds like an adventure. Where does this one take you?”
“We’re in the Midwest and then finish up in the Northeast. We leave on Friday, but I’ve got to be ready to cover a game tomorrow before we head out.”
She pats my hand. “Remember that we’re always here for you, dear. Even if you need to call or comeover, do it.”
My throat tightens with emotion, and I nod. “Thank you, Grammie.”
This. I want to be able to do this for someone. To comfort them and show up as much as possible.
I just have to keep the hope that someday it will happen.
CHAPTER 34
BURTON
