Page 35 of Tempest

“What dessert I should make for the fish fry tonight. I was thinking of making the coconut cake. What do you think?”

Colin shrugged and grabbed a bottle of water. “I like your brownies.”

“I’ll make both,” Ivy replied.

“We’re out,” Ryan said as he scooped up his keys. “We’ll see you ladies later.” He kissed Ivy and then grabbed his phone. “Have fun at lunch, Grams.”

“Thank you, dear.” Before she turned back to Ivy, she put her hand out to Colin. “You come over tomorrow and help me with the gutters and I’ll make you chicken fried steak.”

“Okay, Grams.” He kissed her cheek and followed Ryan out the door.

When they had closed the door, Ivy turned to her grandmother. “You had your gutters cleared last week.”

“Well, then I guess he won’t have much to do. He needs to feel useful, and I want to see how he’s doing. He graduated college two months ago, got signed with a major league baseball team, and had his daddy die. That’s a lot to take in, and I want to make sure that he’s on the right track.”

Ivy applied eye shadow and smiled. “Did you ever think that he would become part of our family?”

“I figured when his mama died, he was our responsibility. Everyone needs family, maybe him most of all.”

“That’s true,” Ivy replied. “We have a lot of decisions to make about Daddy’s company, and I want to get it done well before he has to start traveling with his team. This is his dream, and I don’t want anything to interfere with it.”

“I would offer the same advice to you, young lady. I think that boy Ryan wants a piece of your future. Don’t let this inheritance distract you from what’s important.”

“You’re right, Grams.”

“When am I not?”

Laughing, Ivy stepped back and wondered if Ryan really was a candidate for something long-term.

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