And just like that, the decision is made…I am now a Volvo driver.
“You haven’t bought her some foolishly expensive thing, have you?” asks Grandma. “Something to try and turn her head. Is that what you’re waiting on?”
“No,” he says. “It’s a good idea though. Did you know she turned down a horse on the first night I was here?”
“What on earth would she do with a horse?”
I sigh. “That’s what I said.”
And he smiles at me, and I smile back at him, and huh. It’s the hard beat of my heart and the warmth spreading through me. Feeling this much for him this soon isn’t safe. There’s no stopping it, however.
Getting nowhere with Nash and the ongoing mystery of his waiting, Grandma turns to me and says, “I hoped you’d be wiser than this. As charming and handsome as he might be—”
“You think I’m handsome?” he asks. “I never knew that.”
I can actually hear Grandma grinding her teeth. There’ll likely be nothing left of them by the end of the night. “Thousands, no, millions of people think they own him. Is that really a situation you want to make yourself a part of? Can anyone compete with such a thing?”
“June has no competition,” he says in a serious tone.
“You say that now, but—”
“Grandma,” I say, in my most grown-up voice. “Let’s just have a nice night.”
“Anyone home?” calls a deep male voice coming around the side of the house. The man who walks into view is tall and lean, with a head of silver hair and a moustache. His white skin is tattooed and he’s holding a motorcycle helmet and black leather jacket.
Grandma is instantly on her feet with her mouth open. Like she’s running short on air. “Charlie.”
“Audrey,” says the man, in a softer tone. “And you’re shocked as shit to see me. Which is strange, since the boy said you invited me out here.”
“The boy.” Nash’s answering smile is lopsided. The new arrival doesn’t interrupt him playing his guitar. Though this person’s appearance has got to be what he was waiting for. “I don’t remember saying that exactly. Were those the precise words I used?”
He might as well not have spoken. Charlie’s gaze doesn’t move from my grandmother. “It’s been a while,” he says. “You look good. Retirement suits you.”
“Just a few years,” answers Grandma. And oh my god, she’s blushing.
The man grunts. “It seemed longer.”
“Of course you’re welcome here.” Grandma’s smile is strained. Approximately never have I seen her so discombobulated. The effect this man has on her is frankly fascinating. “I’m just surprised to see you.”
“Are you sure about that?” he asks. “I’m reasonably certain the last time we crossed paths, you wished me good riddance. Though you used stronger language.”
Grandma ignores the question and walks toward the kitchen. “Why don’t I get you a beer?”
“Nash,” growls the man, once she’s out of earshot. “What the fuck?”
“Need your opinion on my new place. The best options for setting up a studio.” His fingers keep moving over the fretboard. “This is Audrey’s granddaughter June, by the way.”
He nods. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hi,” I say.
“She told you about June?” asks Nash, with a raised brow. “Interesting. Always seemed sort of reluctant to talk about her to me.”
Charlie gives him a dour look. “You’re not seriously wondering why?”
Nash laughs and turns to me to say, “Charlie used to play bass in my band. Before he retired to go riding around the country. Your grandma and he both left me about the same time. Is it any wonder I have abandonment issues?”
Charlie sets his helmet and jacket on the outdoor dining table. “You look different without all the hair. More like your bother.”
