I don’t bother questioning why, after all, I really am going to be fast. Well, hopefully, assuming I can find the book.
When I push open my front door, I step aside nervously to let Jude in. Part of me wonders what he’ll think. He’s probably used to fancier homes, despite the basic apartment he’s renting right now. After all, Dogwood Cove isn’t exactly a hotbed for swanky condos. But my place is the exact opposite of swanky. I grew up surrounded by formality, with expensive artwork and furniture that was definitely not comfortable. Which is why, when I bought this bungalow, I went wild with colour and textures. Soft fluffy pillows and blankets cover the couch, photographs adorn the walls, most of them of Kat and I or the natural beauty surrounding Dogwood Cove. Plants are tucked into every nook and cranny; anywhere the sun reaches, I put some greenery.
And of course, the focal point is my bookshelves. They cover an entire wall and are filled with books, more plants, and little mementos I’ve collected over the years.
That’s where I head, scanning the shelves for the book Nana wants to borrow. She and I both love literature. She’s the one who started my collection of early editions of many of the classics, and most of our lunch dates end up in discussions about the latest book. A few of the women in town, including Paige Millstone who owns a bookstore in Dogwood Cove appropriately named Pages, have a monthly book club that Kat and I were invited to. But according to Kat, whose cousin is engaged to Serena, one of the members, they prefer spicy romance novels. I’ve got nothing against a good smutty book, but I also love science fiction, mysteries, and just like Nana, the classics.
“This is impressive,” Jude comments, his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the shelves.
“Thanks.” Abandoning my search for the Margaret Atwood book Nana wanted, I wander over to stand beside him. “That’s the sci-fi section. I love to read about different worlds and civilizations. There’s something about escaping into the pages of a book and letting my imagination run free with nothing but the words to guide me.”
I pull out one of my favourites and hand it to him. “Here, if you’re set on avoiding people, maybe aliens will be better company.”
He makes a sound that is suspiciously close to laughter. I narrow my eyes, popping my hands on my hips. “My God. Did you just…laugh?”
There’s that tiny uptick of his lips again. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
“You keep challenging me like that and you’re going to be surprised by what happens,” I fire back.
Tilting his head to the side, he arches one brow at me. “Challenging you?”
I nod. “Yup. You said I was pushing it, asking for you to smile the other day, and now I’m getting my hopes up wanting you to laugh. I know you’re committed to this Oscar the Grouch routine, but you should know that I’m just as committed to breaking you out of it.”
For a moment, I worry I’ve gone too far. That once again I’ve been too much. But then his frown almost completely disappears.
“I was going for more of a Squidward vibe, not Oscar, but whatever.”
My giggle comes out as more of a very unattractive snort, but any embarrassment is forgotten when I see it. It’s small, but it’s there.
“You just smiled. Oh my God, you smiled. And you made a joke. Jude! I’m so proud!”
I throw my arms around his neck without thinking about it. Until, that is, I realize his arms are still hanging by his side. Dropping mine quickly, I take a step back and whirl away from him. Spying the book Nana wants, I grab it and make to head for the door, only to be stopped by his hand running down my arm. The simple caress gives me goosebumps.
“You make it hard to stay grumpy.”
His hand falls away and I instantly miss his touch. And when he brushes past me, limping to the door, I know better than to say anything. But his confession hits me in all the feels. I’m not going to read too much into it, but I definitely kind of like the fact that I’m the reason he’s almost smiling.
We get back in my car and make the short drive to Camille’s in silence. We could have walked here, but I happen to know firsthand how hard Jude worked at physical therapy yesterday and don’t want him to overdo it.
When we find parking and get out of my car, I spy Nana through the window, already sitting at a table with what I’m guessing is a cup of decaf coffee. Doesn’t matter the time of day, Nana loves coffee. Coffee flavoured anything, in fact.
Jude holds open the door to the café, and his hand settles on my lower back as I walk through, making me jump.
“Easy there. Remember? We have to touch each other?” he whispers, his mouth close enough to my ears that I feel his warm breath.
I nod jerkily. His hand stays in place as we make our way over to Nana, who lifts her head up with a smile.
“There you are, my darling girl.”
I bend down and kiss her cheek, letting her squeeze my hand in her strong grip. “Hi Nana, sorry we’re late, but I had to pop home and get that book for you.”
I place it on the table in front of her, but her attention is solely focused on Jude. “I’m so glad you were able to join us, Jude. It makes this old girl’s heart happy to see her favourite granddaughter with someone who obviously cares deeply for her. Aside from the unmentionable one, I’ve never met a man Lily has been involved with.”
That’s because the men I’m usually involved with don’t mean anything to me.
Just like I don’t mean anything to them. I never have, not to any of the men from my past.
None of them were worthy of meeting my grandmother. Which makes this a brand-new experience for me, and the fact that it’s all a lie makes my stomach turn. I hate lying to Nana. Especially when she really does seem thrilled to see us together.
