Page 33 of Anytime I Want

I laugh and my cheeks flush at what I’m guessing she means byhave a good time.“Graham is very supportive. Don’t worry.” Mabel laughs and flips open the photo album. We spend the next few minutes looking at pictures while she tells me stories. The oven beeps, and I jump up to pull them out. While I scoop dough onto the next sheet, I call into the living room, “Mabel. This has been a great day—cookies and stories from your life. It’s the start of a beautiful friendship.” I glance over my shoulder and meet her eyes.

They water a little and her lips tremble. “I agree.”

On my way back to the couch, my phone buzzes. I glance at it, and a smile spreads across my lips when I see that it’s Graham.

“Oh!” Mabel rocks back and claps her hands. “I know that face. It’s a boy! Tell me all the little details, Julia. I’m old and haven’t had the spark of early love in a long time!”

“I’ll make you a deal. You tell me your love story, and I’ll tell you about Graham.”

“You go first.” She agrees so I start to tell her about The List and the bet at the football game while I clean up from this round of cookie baking. She laughs while I tell her about the irrigation mishap and the paintballing. I explain my fear that Graham and I are too interconnected for a relationship to work, and that I’m scared that he flirts with everyone all the time.

“Well, I don’t know about all that flirting—you’ll have to bring him to meet me soon—but it seems to me if everyone in your life loves him, that's a good thing. Maybe it won’t work out, but isn’t knowing that better than wondering your whole life? Imagine being my age and having that regret. That sounds a lot worse than a broken heart to me.” Mabel’s eyes soften as she stares at the wall, clearly not really seeing it.

“Mabel?” I ask softly.

“Oh, silly me.” Mabel shakes her head. “I was thinking about my Harold.”

“Tell me.” I smile. “It’s your turn to share your love story.”

Mabel smiles softly and sighs. “I met Harold when I was fourteen. I was at a dance hall up in the mountains, and it was so crowded. It felt like I couldn’t see past the end of my nose because of all the people, but that didn’t stop Harold. He spotted me across the room and shoved his way through to get to me. He was nineteen, and my brothers did not seem too impressed with how interested he was.” Mabel must see my mouth start to open to interrupt her story. “No, no, no. Don’t say it. It was a different time and we didn’t start dating immediately. He waited years for me. He was so romantic—always driving to see me, bringing me flowers and endearing himself to my parents. In preparation for our future together, I’m sure.” Mabel smiles broadly.

“We had a great life together. Full of trips, kids, grandkids, memories. Did you know that we golfed on four continents? We volunteered in our church together and built a business together. We were everything to each other, and all because he knew when he saw me in a crowded dance hall when I was only fourteen.” Her smile falls into a sad expression. “Nothing could have kept us apart, and I never imagined him dying when he was sixty. But just like he waited for me then, he’s waiting for me now. To finish living so I can have more stories to tell him.”

I reach up and brush a tear from my cheek.

Mabel shuffles over and grabs my hands. “I say go for it. Live big. No one gets out alive, but don’t you want a great story to tell?” I stare at her for a moment, letting her words tumble around in my brain.Will I have a great story to tell? Is that what I want?“Julia, tomorrow night is Halloween. Do you have plans? We get a bunch of trick-or-treaters early in the evening, and then it quiets down. Will you come help pass out candy? You should bring your friends.”

“You don’t have any grandkids that would want to do it?”

“Oh, pish. My granddaughter is too busy for me. And honestly, she can be a bit of a pill. Don’t tell her, but I’d much rather have you here.” Mabel pats my hand and I clear my throat uncomfortably.

“Your secret is safe with me, especially since I don’t know who she is. Miss Mabel, I would love to come. I’ll be here at five.” I squeeze her hand and wave goodbye, her question still living in my mind.

Chapter 19

Graham

I spent the last few days sick. Not like death’s door sick, but I didn’t go to school and told Julia to steer clear which means I haven't seen her since we watchedPride and Prejudice. We’ve texted GIFs and ridiculous memes back and forth, but nothing of real substance. Nathan mentioned that she’s been spending a lot of her time at the fifty-five plus community down the street. I didn’t know that she knew anyone there, but maybe she adopted a grandma? I’ve heard that’s a pretty cool experience.

I’m finally feeling healthy again, and I need to see Julia. Need. It sounds dramatic but so am I, so there’s that. I grab the list from my desk, scanning it quickly, trying to see if there is anything I can pull off tonight. Perfect. Make cookies during a storm. This one is tough on a tight timeline, but Aunty Theresa texted me last week to tell me we should watch a storm movie while making cookies. Genius. I love having so many people on my team. I wait until I hear their car pull up before I pull out my phone.

Graham

Hey! I miss you. Let’s hang out?

Julia

And do what?

Graham

Cookies and a movie??

Julia

Mm, I love cookies. My friend gave me a bunch. We can just eat those.

Graham

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