“I’m sure there’s enough, but if there’s a problem, Malcom will know what to do.”
Vi was horrified. “You can’t put him in charge of that, Gran. It’s really none of his business. Besides, he may not know a thing about insurance.”
“If I know him, he’ll want to help. He’s very smart about business things. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have founded AM Auto Parts and franchised it so successfully.”
Everyone had heard of that company. Vi was impressed. “He’s the man behind that?” Was Blake part of the business, too?
Gran nodded. “You don’t get that successful without hard work and a whole lot of brain power.” She sighed. “I love a smart man.”
“Gramps was smart, too,” Vi said to remind her about her dead husband. He’d died when she was ten, and she could barely remember him. Four years later, when her parents had divorced, a big relief because they were always fighting, Gran had moved in to help take care of her and Rose.
“He wasn’t stupid, that’s for sure. After all, he married me.” Gran smiled. “Chester was a good man, and so is Malcom.” She glanced at the digital clock on the wall. “It’s late and I’m sure you’re tired after the long work week. I have a bridge game to get to.” She stood. “It’ll be interesting to find out what Malcom and Blake discussed. Goodnight, Vi.”
She’d never been shy of announcing when she wanted guests to leave. Fine with Vi. She wanted to phone Rose and commiserate over the bombshell Gran and Malcom had dropped on her tonight. She kissed her grandmother’s proffered cheek and opened the door. “Have fun at bridge. I’ll talk to you again soon.”
In the lobbyafter the unsettling conversation with his grandpa, Blake headed toward the front desk to sign himself out. Vi was already there, doing the same. This might be a good time to strategize next steps and all that. Tonight, as he had so much on his plate besides the love and marriage thing they’d sprung on him.
“Hey,” he said. “Was your conversation as aggravating as mine?”
“I’m shaking my head. This entire thing is ridiculous, especially wanting to get married after knowing each other three weeks.”
“Tell me about it. We should find a quiet place to talk. Are you in a hurry to get home?”
“Not really.”
“If we hang around here when our family are playing bridge or sleeping, management might not like it. Let’s go somewhere.”
She glanced upward as if she needed to think about the idea, and the corners of her lips turned downward. Finally, with a look that was either dislike or contempt, she nodded. “You’re probably right. Where are you thinking?”
Stung, he asked, “Do you have a problem with me?”
“Why would you think that?”
“The expression on your face when you look at me.” She frowned again, and he told her. “Like I’m the last person you want to go anywhere with.”
Her face got red, signaling she was embarrassed. “Sorry about that. I don’t mind looking at you at all. You have a—” She blushed redder still and cleared her throat. “I’m so rattled right now, it’s hard to think about anything else.”
He wanted to know what she’d started to say but wasn’t about to go there. They had more important things to discuss. “Do you know the Come On In?”
“The bar? I’ve eaten there a time or two and like the food. But it’s Friday night and sure to be crowded and noisy.”
“Good point. What part of town are you in?”
“The east side. You?”
“West. Pick a place near where you live and we’ll meet there.”
“Well…” She cocked her head to one side and chewed on her bottom lip, which for some reason he found cute. “How about the Pancake Hut? They’re usually quiet in the evening.”
“And the food is great. See you there.”
On the drive toward the restaurant, Blake thought about the situation that’d been thrown at him and Vi. Talk about a punch to the gut.
She was right about the Pancake Hut—there were at most a handful of customers and one tired-looking waitress to take care of everyone. They sat down at a table with a laminated top.
“Believe it or not, I could use a waffle about now,” Vi said as she pulled a pair of menus out of their slot beside the napkin holder and handed him one. “With strawberry sauce and whipped cream. I didn’t eat much today, and lost my appetite at dinner.”
“You and me both. My mouth is already watering for an egg and cheese pancake sandwich.”
