Page 76 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

I cast about for something to distract her. “I might have a new job lined up. Actually, I might have two.”

Grandma gives me a surprised look. “Oh? Where at?”

“One of them is remote. The other is Sandburrow.” I explain the situation.

Grandma listens intently, a furrow in her brow.

“Working for George means I’ll be able to help his business and have the time to help with the museum,” I say when I’m done. “But working for the music company means that I have more money to do other things.”

“And less time to actually do them?” Grandma supplies.

I nod. “Something like that.”

Grandma pats my hands. “Of course, I would love to see you stay in Sandburrow. But most of all, I want you to be happy. I’m sure you’ll pick the path that will bring you the most joy.”

“Any words of wisdom?” I ask.

Grandma taps her cheek. “Intelligence. Insight. Knowledge. Sagacity.”

I laugh.

Another thunderclap sounds outside. Grandma winces and clears her throat.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. I might need your help with some legal matters,” Grandma says.

“Legal matters?” I repeat, my eyes widening.

“Katherina asked if she could stay with me until she graduates high school. I told her I would see what I can do.” So much sadness crosses over Grandma’s face that it hurts my heart. “I might need help fighting for custody if it gets that far.”

Determination sweeps through me. “Of course.”

Grandma gives me an uncertain look. “Are you sure? I know it’s asking a lot from you. I’m getting too old to take care of a teenager all by myself.”

I hug her tightly. “Grandma, you saved me from growing up the way Katherina did. I’ve resented her for so long for things she had no control over. If I can be part of her support now and give her a more stable home, then I want to do it. No child should be forced to live with a parent who calls them a disappointment to their face.”

“You’re a good girl,” Grandma says. She sounds exhausted. “Thank you, Cat. Thank you for Katherina’s sake.”

In a way, hearing this has made my choice of job very simple.

I smile to myself but then focus on Grandma as the thunder grows closer and louder. I can tell George later. Right now, it’s time for me to take care of my grandmother, the way she’s taken care of me for all these years.

Chapter twenty-one

George

It isn’t the thunder that wakes me.

It’s the lightning.

I’m a sound sleeper, except when it comes to light. I need it to be pitch black for me to sleep.

So when the first flash of lightning bursts across the sky, I’m wide awake.

I sit up in bed, rolling my shoulders. The rain starts to throw fat drops at my window. I stay where I am, gazing outside with a distinctly moody grimace.

I don’t like being woken up, especially by storms.

That said, I’ve had an eye on the weather forecast. This one shouldn’t be too bad. It will pass quickly.

---