Page 118 of Crashing into Love

“It makes noise,” Grandma noted when she walked into the living room from the bathroom. “How was your day?” she asked and sat down on the sofa behind Selma and Gia.

“I came in fourth, but it’s fine. It wasn’t a big deal, and I didn’t want to push it too hard.”

“Mom?”

“Yeah, honey? Have you brushed your teeth yet?”

“Yes. And I’ll go to bed, but… Um…” Gia bit her bottom lip. “Did you–”

“I haven’t talked to Drew yet, Gia. I was working and then, coming home.”

“Okay… I just wanted to tell her what I got on my chemistry test because I don’t like chemistry, but she told me to stick with it, so I did, and I got an A.”

“You did? Gia, that’s great, honey. I’m so proud of you.”

“And I think I might like it a little more now because I’m through all the basic stuff and it’s cooler now.”

“I’m so glad,” Selma replied with a smile aimed at the coolest kid in the world.

“I’ll go to bed now, but I’m sorry you didn’t win today, Mom.”

“That’s okay, honey. It’s not always about winning. Sometimes, you learn more from the losses.”

“Night, Mom.”

“Good night, honey. I love you.”

“Love you.”

Gia closed the book on the table, picked it up, and held it to her chest as she walked to her room, like it was the most precious thing she owned.

“Did you learn something today?”

Selma sighed and said, “I learned that my kid knows about Drew and me because she’s overheard you and me talking about it.”

“And?”

“What do you mean, and?” she asked, moving to sit next to her grandmother on the sofa.

“And what? How did she take it?”

“Fine. She loves Drew.”

“Was she at all worried? Concerned? Freaking out, as you’d say? Did she tell you that she doesn’t want you to be with Drew? Or did she think you shouldn’t be with anyone, for that matter?”

“No, of course, she didn’t.”

“And you came in fourth today?”

“Yes.”

“What does that tell you?”

“I was distracted. Gia told me she knew about Drew this morning.”

“Honey, I love you… but I’m going to tell you something right now, and I need you to really hear me.” She took Selma’s hand in her own. “You are being very stupid, and you need to knock that off.”

“Grandma!”

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