“Gran, camera’s backward again.”
“Oh gosh… how do I fix that?”
“Tap the little camera with the swoosh. Remember?”
“Oh, yes, hang on…”
The screen flips, and there she is—rectangular glasses, silver braid, wild wisps of hair framing her weathered face. She’s got that usual just-been-in-the-garden look, which is familiar and comforting.
She smiles widely, spotting Effa. “So, this stunning little lady next to you, is that Effa?”
Effa straightens. “Hello, Mrs. Mercury. Yes, I’m Effa. Lovely to meet you.”
Gran scoffs. “Oh, honey, call me Gran. Everyone does. And look at you. My boy wasn’t lying, you are a looker.”
“Gran,” I warn, chuckling.
Effa beams. “Thank you. You’re pretty amazing yourself.”
“Kiera, Kaden’s on the phone,” Gran calls.
A squeal echoes.
Then footsteps.
And then Kiera bursts into view, beanie on, cheeks flushed.
“Oh my God, it’s about time! Effa, I’ve been dying to meet you.”
Effa laughs. “Same! Kaden talks about you a lot. He misses you both so much.”
Kiera’s smile falters just slightly, and Gran squeezes her hand. I slide my arm around Effa, pulling her into my side.
“I thought it was time you all met,” I explain.
“You think?” Kiera teases. “Effa seems cool. I know I’m awesome. So it’s not like you had a good reason to hold out on us.”
Effa folds her arms, grinning. “Yeah, Mercs. What gives?”
“This is why.” I sigh. “I knew once you two met, you’d gang up on me.”
Kiera laughs. “Chicks before dicks.”
Effa howls with laughter. “Right? It’s us against you, Mercs.”
“Blood’s supposed to be thicker than water,” I argue.
“And yet, you stink,” Kiera deadpans.
Effa sniffs the air dramatically. “He kinda does.”
I feign offense. “That’s the scent of pure manliness.”
Effa snorts as I throw my arm over her shoulder.
“But seriously…” I add, “We’re coming to Ligonier to visit. Effa wants to meet you in person.”
Kiera’s eyes well up, and Gran covers her hand again gently.
