“They aren’t a gift. They’re a pick-me-up and a reminder that there’s always beauty to be found.”
“In spite of the ugliness. You know they’re going to die, right? They’ll become ugly.”
“They’re eternal, Mattie.”
Eternal roses eventually died too, but she appreciated his effort. She lifted her head from her pillow and gave him a small smile.
“Thank you. I appreciate the roses. I will cherish them, but I’m fine.”
“It’s okay not to be.”
“Says you.Isay everything’s okay, especially me.”
Shoving his hands into the pocket of his jeans, he swept his gaze over her. “How long have you been awake?”
“What time is it?”
“Noon.”
“Six hours.” Her alarm went off at its normal 6 a.m.
“Have you eaten?”
“I didn’t feel like getting dressed and going downstairs.”
“You don’t have breakfast in your bedclothes?”
“Only if I’m sick and in bed. We aren’t allowed to go to the table in nightclothes.”
Grant gave her an incredulous look.
“That’s how it’s been my entire life. Now, when I sleep at Reb’s house, yeah, it’s awesome. We can go to the table in our bedclothes if we choose.”
“That’s the way it is in a lot of households.”
Mattie shoved the covers down to her waist. “Not in John Donovan’s.”
“If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?” Grant asked, ignoring her last comment.
“It depends on if I want to be healthy or not.”
“Give me both options.”
“Cage-free egg salad with vegan mayo and cauliflower crackers.”
Most guys would’ve been horrified but Grant remained expressionless. “Or?”
“Sweet potato fries with filet mignon in mushroom sauce and a chef’s salad.”
“Definitely the better option. While you get dressed, I’ll call the restaurant so Jimmy knows to expect us.”
Jimmy was one of the chefs at J’s, Grant’s grandmother’s establishment.
Mattie wasn’t opposed to the idea, but Grant had never made it a point to visit her before. Usually, they saw each other at family events. Yet she knew what he’d seen when he rescued her from Wally, Jr.
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“We’re friends.”
