Page 68 of Fourteen of a Kind

CHAPTER 21

Ella

I was in the cafeteria, eating lunch, when Graham walked over with his tray.

“Hey, beautiful. Would you like some company?”

“I would.” I smiled.

“You’re not going to yell at me, are you?” A handsome smirk crossed his lips.

“So, the whole hospital does know.” I sighed.

“You’re like a celebrity around here.” He smiled. “Anyway, I probably would have yelled at my patient too if he or she would have been secretly eating right before a procedure.”

“Did you get my text last night when I got home?” I asked him.

“I was out like a light and didn’t see it until this morning. I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay. I meant to ask you. My cousin Riley’s wedding is in two weeks, and I was wondering if you’d like to be my plus one.”

“I’d like that, but I have to check my schedule.”

“I may have already checked and saw you’re off.” I bit my bottom lip.

He chuckled. “That’s great. I’d love to go. Do I have to wear a suit?”

“Yes.” I smiled. “Do you have one?”

“Yeah. I have one.” He winked. His pager went off. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”

“See ya.” I smiled.

I watched as he grabbed his tray and walked away. My feelings for him gripped me in ways I’d never experienced before. I was falling in love with him. I knew it was too soon, but I couldn’t help it. After my shift, I stopped by my Grandma Barb’s house to check on her before I went home.

“Hi, Grandma.” I walked over to where she sat on the couch. “Where’s Grandpa?”

“Probably out with one of his whores,” she spewed.

Shit.

“He’s never home. I’m raising my four boys on my own while he’s out fucking anyone who looks his way. He doesn’t think I know, but I do.” She stared at me. “I know everything.” She stood up from the couch. “I need to call my lawyer and file for divorce.” She picked up her phone from the table.

“Grandma, stop.” I placed my hands around hers and took her phone. “Curtis is your husband, not Henry. He would never cheat on you.”

The door opened, and I saw my dad walk in.

“Hey, sweetheart. I saw your car in the driveway. Hi, Aunt Barb. Why don’t we all go to Four Kinds for dinner?”

“Who will watch the boys?” she asked him.

My father’s brows furrowed as he looked at me.

“I suppose I can call Trudy. Yes. Trudy will watch them.”

“Grandma.” I gripped her shoulders. “Your boys are grown men now.”

Curtis walked through the door with a handful of bags.

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