Page 55 of The Grump

“Can you come back in front of the camera?” Avery asked.

We’d been on a video call the entire time I got ready. She kept giving me tips and tricks on how to style myself.

“Yep,” I said, moving over in front of the phone.

“You’re a knockout. And I’m not saying that just because I’m biased, which of course I am. You’re super, super beautiful.”

“Thanks, sis.”

Avery tilted her head. “What do you think will happen tonight?”

I fiddled with my thumbs, shrugging. “We’re going to enjoy a fantastic dinner. And talk.”

“Looking like that, he’s going to maul you before you even finish dinner.”

“Avery!” But I was sort of hoping she was right.

Wasn’t that crazy? How could I be so attracted to a man who planned to turn our lives upside down? And held so many beliefs that were different from mine?

Well, perhaps that wasn’t strictly true. We differed in many ways, but we had one thing in common: we each cared deeply about our family.

“All right, I’ve got to go. He’s going to be here any second now.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

“Okay, bye. Have fun.” She sent me an air kiss before disconnecting the call.

I was downright jittery as I put the phone in my small clutch bag, then threw on my coat before opening the door. Xander stood there wearing only a suit, no coat or anything. I would forever be grateful that this man’s inner temperature seemed to be much higher than normal because I loved seeing him in a suit.

“Good evening, Bailey.”

“Hi!” I almost squeaked.Oh goodness. This is an interesting start.

“Ready to go?”

“Yep. I’ve got everything I need.”

He looked me up and down, his eyes settling on my feet. “Are you sure you won’t be cold?”

“That’s debatable, but I’m assuming we’ll be indoors most of the time.”

“Obviously. I’ll find a parking spot nearby, and if there isn’t one, then I’ll drop you off as near as possible to the restaurant.”

I stilled. All of that for my convenience? That was something, wasn’t it?

“That sounds like a great plan.”

He motioned for me to walk to his car. I felt even more nervous than before, remembering the last time he’d seen me. This door had seen some seriously sexy action.

“I keep thinking about your parents and grandparents in the same house. I never realized that there are still families who live together the way yours does,” I said once we were in the car.

“I find it unusual too. My grandparents weren’t fans in the beginning.”

“So, how did your parents win them over? I can’t imagine anyone convincing Isabeau to do something she doesn’t want to.”

He chuckled. “No, but she started to slow down in the past few years, and she realized that. Whatever we might say about Isabeau, she isn’t one to lie to herself. She spent a lot of time with Celine anyway, so they figured that living together wouldn’t be a huge change. That house is big enough that everyone has their private space.”

“It’s one of my favorites in the Garden District.”

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