Page 67 of Stick Play

“Sure.”

These two are killing me. “If we’re going to watch the game, I need to go to the grocery store to get all the best snacks for us.”

He stares at me for a second, and his smile widens when understanding hits. “I make a mean pizza.”

Zoe throws her hands out. “I love pizza.”

I grab a notepad and pen. “I’ll make a list.”

“I usually buy the dough from Bucky’s down on Tremont.”

“I actually make a mean crust,” I tell him.

He nods his approval. “Then all we need is sauce, and lots of pepperoni, and cheese.”

I eye him, and the big grin he’s giving me. “Wait, is pizza on your diet?” The man does have heart disease, and I’m not about to do anything to put him in harm’s way.

“Of course.”

I grab my coffee when it beeps and take a much-needed drink. “Do I have to ask Ash about that?” Why is it that I like saying his name.

Grant gives me a dismissive wave. “We don’t want to bother him on game day, now do we, love?”

Love? Okay, the man is buttering me up and that tells me all I need to know. But hey, if he’s good enough to watch Zoe, he deserves pizza. I just plan to buy some plant-based deli meats instead of the ones that are basically nitrates holding hands.

“Okay, are you ready to cook this?” he asks Zoe, and it amazes me how he pulls her chair over next to the counter. Ash did the exact same thing with her and I take that moment to envision a young Ash and his dad cooking together.

“What was Ash like as a kid?” I ask. Funny, I never thought I’d be talking to Ash’s father about Ash’s childhood.

“He was a good boy, Gina.” He beams at me with pride. “Had to take on too much responsibility, I will say that.”

“I don’t think it hurt him at all.”

“No, but we only want what’s best for our kids, and I didn’t love that he had to be so responsible at such a young age.”

“I understand that.”

He sprays oil into the pan, and tosses me a look of understanding. “I know you do. You and me. We’re not so different, are we?”

“No, not so different at all.” A week ago, I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m really glad he stopped at the café that day.

I lean against the counter as Zoe climbs off her chair and runs to the fridge to get the syrup and fresh fruit. Yes, she’s been eating too many pancakes, but at least she’s getting fruit into her.

“Tell me more about Ash when he was a kid.”

“Well, there was that one time that he nearly burnt down his school.”

My mouth falls open. “No way.”

Grant laughs, and nods. “Unfortunately, yes.” He lifts his pancake slightly and checks the bottom. “Do you want one?”

I wave my hand. “No, coffee is good for me. I’ll grab something later.” I fall quiet and he continues to tell me stories about Ash, as he finishes up the pancake and pulls Zoe’s chair back to the table. Grant and I laugh over stories, which I love hearing, until he gets his own pancake made, and joins Zoe at the table.

Zoe holds a piece of her pancake out. “This lump is for you, Grandpa.”

“Kiddo,” he begins. “This last week, I’ve gotten more than I ever could have wished for.”

Zoe beams up at him. “Did I tell you Ash is bringing me back a present?”

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