Page 13 of Blade

“How big do you think Manny’s is? I can see the other side of the store from here.”

Micah put his hands on the handle of the cart, boxing me in with his arms.

“But this way, we can give all the church ladies something to gossip about. You know, the good girl and bad boy misbehaving in the grocery store.”

He laid his chin on my shoulder, and I laughed.

“Pretty sure the whole town knows there is nothing gossip worthy going on with us. Everyone knows my mother well enough to know that Iamthe good girl, not because I choose to be, but because she has everyone watching me to make sure I don’t step even a millimeter over that line.”

I elbowed his stomach to move him back.

“Now go get the things on your list before you get me in trouble.”

“Fine. When you’re done, I’ll meet you at the front of the store.”

That was such an odd memory.

I looked back in the direction Blade went. It must be the combination of Blade’s words and being back in Manny’s shopping for Grams.

I expected that the longer I stayed in town, the more the memories would return.

Turning to start my shopping, I ran right into another cart.

“I am so sorry.”

Looking up, I saw a familiar handsome man in a suit just staring at me and gasped. “Grant? Grant Nicholson? Is that you?”

Grant Nicholson moved to town in my senior year of high school. He was always nice, attentive, if not a little smothering. We dated a few times, but that was me once again going through the motions expected of me.

“Beck Washington!” He closed the space between us, wrapping me in a hug.

See? Smothering.

“When did you get back?”

“Less than a week ago. I came back to help Grams.”

He leaned back, holding on to my arms. “I am so happy to see you. Have dinner with me.”

It was more of a command than a question, but that was Grant.

“I can’t tonight. I actually need to get my shopping done and get back. Grams has plans for us tonight.”

“Ah yes, her dinner with the bikers.”

“You know about that?”

“Beck, the whole town knows. Willow makes dinner every Saturday night for that club.”

I noticed Grant didn’t call my grandmother Grams.

Everyone in town called her Grams.

“I didn’t think that would be something you would be interested in.”

“Interested, no, but I need to monitor Grams. I’m sure you could tag along if you like.”

Grant looked over my shoulder when he answered, “I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”

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