“It’s nice to meet you as we’re going to be family.”
He and Amelia both take a deep breath, but Mr. Haynes smiles warmly and shakes her hand.
“Yes, it is time we all met officially. And please, call me Richard.”
I take Amelia’s pie into the kitchen and drag my mom out. She stiffly shakes Mr. Haynes hand and offers Amelia a semi warm smile.
“Something smells great,” Mr. Haynes says, and Ma’s shoulders relax.
“Darius kept forgetting to ask if you had any allergies so I stuck to the traditional dishes.”
“That’s absolutely fine. I have no allergies or dislikes. I’m sure dinner will be amazing.”
A yawn escapes Amelia and I move to stand beside her.
“You okay?”
She nods but says, “I didn’t get much sleep last night, the thunder kept waking me and then I needed to pee every hour.”
“You haven’t got long left.”
“Yes but then I’m going to have a crying baby, I don’t think it’s going to get better for a while.”
“True.”
Her smile falls and her brows knit together.
“I need the bathroom.”
“Down the hall, third door.”
“I remember where it is.”
Mr. Haynes and Grandma settle in the living room, and I join Ma in the kitchen.
“Her mother must be beautiful, her father certainly isn’t bad on the eye.”
“The fuck? Keep that shit to yourself, yeah.”
The last thing I need is for that shit to start up.
“He’s married,” I remind her.
“Please, I’m not interested in him. But it will be nice having a good looking guy to sit across the table from for once.”
Rolling my eyes, I spot Amelia’s pie on the counter.
“You didn’t tell her you were allergic to pumpkin?” Mom asks.
“No, and don’t go telling her. She probably only made it to impress you, she’s like that.”
“She needn’t have bothered, she’s making me a granddaughter.” She grins. “I kinda like her for that.”
It’ll be nice not to have her scowling the whole day. She’s not totally on board but she’s been a lot more helpful lately.
Wandering into the living room, Grandma is talking about her favourite books and Mr. Haynes is listening intently. It wouldn’t surprise me if she has him sending her new releases now we’re “family”.
I hear the water running in the bathroom and then Amelia is slipping out. I head down the hall and I can see her physically forcing herself to smile.
