He shoves another piece of bacon in his mouth, then another, letting out a long moan. “Damn it, boy, that gal can cook.”
“I think now would be a good time to inform you that he can’t eat bacon,” I tell Selena.
Pop’s mouth stops moving, eyes wide with panic. “Don’t listen to him.”
Her gaze shifts back and forth between us as my eyes lock with Pop’s in a silent standoff.
“What do you mean he can’t eat bacon?” she asks.
Pop leans back in his chair, never taking his eyes off me as he reaches over to pluck several more pieces from the massive pile.
The man has no shame.
He devours every piece.
“Clearly, hecan,but he’s not supposed to. After his heart attack, Doc put him on a strict diet. Only fruits, veggies, and whole grains, but he doesn’t listen, sneaks and buys bacon and shit all the time. That’s why he hates my cooking, because the food I cook is actually good for you.”
His eyes narrow into slits. “Traitor. Why would you sell me out like that? Your own flesh and blood.” He shakes his head. “You used to be my favorite grandson but now…”
Selena removes the plate from in front of Pop and he groans in protest. When she returns with a banana, I find it hard to keep it together.
“Please. Don’t make me eat it.”
She folds her arms over her chest, giving Pop a stern look. “I will prepare only healthy meals for you. I will not be the cause of another heart attack. Your grandson loves you very much and if anything should happen to you…”
“Fine. I’ll eat whatever you cook, just make sure it has some damn flavor please.”
Selena grins. “I’ll do my best, Frank.”
Then I say the one thing I know will set him off.
“He can have turkey bacon. Forgot about that.”
His nostrils flare with disdain. “How dare you say such a thing in this house.”
I love fucking with him.
“It’s way better for you, Pop.”
“Bullshit. Tastes like goddamn cardboard. If it ain’t real bacon it’s fuckin’ pointless.”
I laugh and Selena joins me. Pop is less than amused. “Go ahead, laugh it up.”
He scoots from the table, leaving his banana behind, mumbling to himself as he puts his hat back on and walks out of the back door.
Once she pulls herself together, her eyes meet mine. “You’re right. He is stubborn.”
“As a damn mule.”
We share another laugh and the way the sun catches her eyes has me wanting to pull her closer so I can get a better look. But I don’t. Content to watch from afar because beauty that powerful has the ability to change a man, alter his universe. I can already feel my world tilting on its axis.
“I was thinking about going into town in a little while. To get you clothes and whatever else you might need.”
Her eyes shift from mine as she stares down at her feet. “I don’t need much.”
Something tells me even the simplest of possessions would bring her an abundance of happiness, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to give her everything her heart has ever desired.
Justin opens the door of his truck for me, holding out his hand to help me in. “Thank you,” I say.
