Page 30 of Something that Could Last

When the food is done, we take our places around the small table. Jacob is startled when my grandmother grabs his hand and then mine. He glances at me with a question in his eyes, but when I reach for his free hand, he slips it into mine, his warmth absorbing into my skin. He pauses for a moment when she begins to say Grace but follows suit when I bow my head.

As my eyes close, I wonder about Jacob’s family. I have a feeling they do things a little differently than we do. I imagine they have big, impersonal dinners at a grand mahogany dining table so large that one must raise his voice to be heard at the other end. Nothing but fine china and crystal gracing their lips. Servants bringing trays of gourmet food from the kitchen. Monogrammed table linens and napkins I wouldn't dare wipe my mouth on for fear of soiling them.

Jacob’s fingers close around mine, his thumb stroking the back of my hand and pulling me from my thoughts. I steal a glance at him as my grandmother continues her prayer. His eyes are closed and his head is bowed. He seems so at ease sitting at my table, listening to my grandmother's words of thanks. I realize that I’ve made so many assumptions about him since we met, and they’ve all been wrong.

“Jacob,” my grandmother begins after we’ve said our Amens, “how long have you known my Abigail?”

Oh, no. Here comes the inquisition.I start to fidget in my seat until she pins me with her knowing stare.

Jacob swallows down his bite of muffin and clears his throat. “Only since Saturday, ma'am.”

“Well, she must like you very much to be taking you hiking.” Her eyes drift to me, and anybody else would read her look as impassive. But I know her. I can read all the slight nuances in her facial expressions. She’s questioning me and warning me with a single look. I give her a tiny nod, and she returns her attention to Jacob.

“I hope so,” he replies, smiling at me. My stomach flutters as if a thousand butterflies are taking flight inside of it.

“It would appear that Cero is quite fond of you as well.” She lifts one eyebrow and trains her gaze on my Cero laying at Jacob's feet, his head resting on his paws. He tries his best to project innocence with his big, puppy-dog eyes. “Although I'm not sure whether that is because he genuinely likes you, or if it's because you've been sneaking him bacon.”

Jacob's face falls and he smiles apologetically. “I'm sorry. He just looked so pitiful. And I'm a total sucker.” My heart melts a little when he says this. I'm an animal lover, and I know all about being a sucker. And my manipulative dog likes to exploit those weaknesses in people.Brat.

She chuckles and I know what she’s up to. “Don't listen to her,” I tell him. “She's just teasing you.” Nobody gives that dog more table scraps than she does. My grandmother just likes to give people a hard time, especially any guy I bring home. The few who have made it that far always fell prey to her antics.

My grandmother laughs. “Abigail, you're ruining all my fun.”

Jacob's laughter echoes through our tiny kitchen. “That's a relief. I thought I was in big trouble,” he confesses, grinning from ear to ear.

Once we finish our breakfast, I gather our dishes and take them to the sink, turning on the water and squirting in a little dish soap. “Here, I'll help you with those,” Jacob volunteers, approaching from behind. He steps up next to me, surprising me with his offer. Before I can respond, my grandmother steps in between us.

“I'll take care of these. You two go have fun.” I begin to protest, but she cuts me off. “Go,” she insists, shooing us away.

Jacob and I offer our goodbyes and head for the door. Cero follows us excitedly, thinking that he’s going somewhere, too. I crouch down and scratch behind his ears. “Sorry, buddy,” I tell him, feeling guilty. “Not this time.” I really need to take him with me soon. It's been too long since he's been out on the trails, and he enjoys it as much as I do. I slip on my shoes and grab my backpack before following Jacob outside.

“Where to?” he asks.

“You’ll see,” I echo his response from earlier. I'm hoping he'll enjoy our destination as much as I do. We'll end up at one of my favorite places. “There's something I'd like to show you.”

He opens the passenger door for me and I step inside. “Sounds interesting.”

“OKAY, TURN LEFThere,” I direct Jacob to the road leading to the trailhead. “There's a parking lot right up there,” I advise, pointing to the barren lot. Not many people hiking on a weekday, I suppose.

“Is there somewhere to get a map?” Jacob asks as we grab our packs from the back seat.

I shoot him a confident smile. He has no idea how many times I've hiked this trail. I could hike it backward. With my eyes closed. “We don't need a map. I know this place like the back of my hand.”

“Well, I guess I'd better follow you, then.” He holds his hand out, gesturing for me to take the lead. After a moment, he sidles up next to me, matching my stride.

“How long of a hike were you planning on taking today?” I ask him.

“Didn't really have a plan. I was just going to hike until Luke started whining and wanted to go back.”

I stop abruptly, feeling guilty that I've taken him away from his friend. I know they took this trip together with the intention of hanging out and doing guy stuff. I hope he doesn't think I'm trying to keep him all to myself. Although, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea. “I'm sorry.” He turns and looks at me quizzically. “I didn't mean to impose on your plans with Luke. I didn't realize this was something you guys had planned to do together.”

He takes a few steps back to where I'm standing and brushes my jaw with his fingertips. “You’re not imposing on anything. Luke made his decision when he chose to stay in bed with Tiffany. Besides, I asked you to come. I want you here with me. So don't feel bad about Luke's absence. He and I will have plenty of time to hang out.”

His assurances fill me with a sense of relief. “Okay.”

“Let's keep going.” He grabs my hand and we walk side by side. We continue in silence for a few minutes, just taking in the sounds of nature. Leaves rustling, birds singing, the dull thud of our shoes hitting the dirt. But the sounds are nothing compared to the smells. Clean air and the scent of pine needles pervade our senses.

“How long have you lived with your grandmother?” Jacob asks.

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