Page 27 of The Drummer's Heart

“It’s blue rinse. Probably should’ve worn gloves. I was doing Mimi’s hair.”

“Damn. Can you try that on me next?” Ronan laughed. “I could use my streaks touched up. Was thinking of going blue at some point anyway.”

Tristan looked over at me and muttered, “Sadly, he’s serious.”

Our surprise guests stepped into the house and followed us to Mimi’s room.

“Mimi, we have visitors,” I announced.

“Do you remember Ronan and Tristan from the band?” Atticus asked.

“How could I forget…such handsome boys.” My grandmother turned to Emily. “And who is this lovely lady?”

“I’m Emily Applewood, Tristan’s fiancée. It’s so nice to meet you.”

“You as well, dear.” Mimi then turned to Ronan. “Will you do me a favor?”

“Of course.” He grinned.

She pointed over at Atticus and me. “Will you tell these two to get the heck out of here and have some fun for one night? They’ve been fawning over me for days, and I can’t get rid of them.”

“I don’t want to leave you alone,” I told her.

“I’ll be fine for a couple of hours. Louise is never here twenty-four-seven, you know. She pops in and out all day. So I’m used to being alone at times. I have a phone in case of an emergency, and you met my neighbor. She’s around, too. Not like I can get up and fall or anything. I can’t move, so I ain’t going anywhere.”

Atticus bumped my shoulder with his. “It’ll be good for you to get out. I think Mimi will be fine for a little bit. We won’t go far.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” Ronan lifted his index finger. “Why don’tIstay with Mimi so you both can relax for a couple of hours and not have to worry at all?”

He flashed me a serious look to let me know he wasn’t kidding. I had such cabin fever. I needed to take him up on his offer.

“Well…” Mimi said. “I’ve never been one to turn down the companionship of a handsome young man.”

“Nor I the companionship of a lovely MILF such as yourself.”

Mimi squinted. “Milk?”

Everyone broke out into laughter.

Before Ronan could explain, I intercepted. “That would be really nice if you could stay with her.”

Ronan placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’s a done deal, then.”

“Take them to Laurentano’s,” Mimi told Atticus.

“What’s that?” Emily asked.

“A really good Italian restaurant here in town,” I explained.

“Tell them Adele sent you and see how you’re treated,” Mimi added.

“They love my grandmother over there.” I turned to Ronan. “You sure you’re good with staying here?”

“Of course! I don’t have a grandma. Lost both of mine. So this will be fun.”

I sucked in a breath. “Okay, then.”I hope I don’t regret this.

CHAPTER 9

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